JCS says they aren't close to a weapon yet
You own words about a "dirty bomb" contradict what mention the JCS said. We know Iran has the missile technology, we know they have a quantity of radio active materials. They all ready have the means to do great harm to Israel. Personally, I think they are waiting so they can see the mushroom cloud, as they want their enemies to die quickly. It's too risky to use valuable materials on a place with plenty of shelters.
I think it is still in our best interest to hope for the moderate to win.
That won't change the complete policy of the Republic of Iran, but it will be a first step in the right direction. What you are advocating is to scuttle all hope for such outcome right away.
That might ease the rhetoric and help things like the inflation rates in Iran, but even the reformists said they will not give up on the countries nuclear program. Reformists held the presidency in the past, how did that work out for better ties? Besides the clerics in charge want their holy fire. When they have it, good luck trying to get them to do anything.
I'm not advocating giving up hope (gees you sound like Obama), but you can hope in one hand and crap in the other and see which fills first. You didn't read my post about Syria. The Israelis took out the reactor militarily. Syria could have counter attacked, but didn't. Israel took a risk and prevailed.
I'm all for diplomacy, but in this case it isn't working and maybe we are taking the wrong approach. How about this, instead of US/Europe trying to increase sanctions only to have Russia and China say no, how about we down grade trade relations with anyone that continues to do business with Iran. Give them a few months to think it over before it goes into effect. One parent can't punish a spoiled child while the other give him ice cream. That's exactly what is happening. Russia and China need to decide who they rather have in the trade arena, The west or Iran. Pity to come to this level but nice guys finish last. Apparently the world hates nice guys anyway. I won't happen anyway because too many in the west don't want to hurt anyones feelings.
So things will plod forward with gestures of weakness from the US administration and Europe. Iran will be emboldened, then when it develops its device, the world will line up to kiss it gently on the ass. Quite worth the wait.Oh and Hamas and Hezbolah will be a bit bolder too, because big brother has muscles now. I just hope Obama don't sell out the US like he intends eastern Europe with ABMs. Iran can alway continue to improve missile range.