The New York Times writer Peter Beinart wrote that American politicians frequently warn that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, the Middle East will be engulfed in a nuclear arms race. 

“Such statements are so familiar that it’s easy to overlook their artifice. In warning that Iran could turn the Middle East nuclear, American politicians imply that the region is nuclear-free now. But it’s not. Israel already has nuclear weapons," he stressed.

Beinart went on to say that America’s leaders have spent the last half-century feigning ignorance. 

“This deceit undercuts America’s supposed commitment to nuclear nonproliferation, and it distorts the American debate over Iran. It’s time for the Biden administration to tell the truth," he urged.

Beinart said that feigning ignorance about Israeli nuclear weapons makes a mockery of America's efforts at nonproliferation.