Tel Aviv, January 21 (RHC)-- Israel is still seeking to take “draconian steps” to provoke a war between the U.S. and Iran despite the implementation of an interim nuclear deal. A leading regional political commentator, Mark Dankof, warned that Tel Aviv is pushing Washington for a confrontation despite the cost in human lives and material damage.

On Monday, Tehran announced that it began implementing the six-month agreement struck with six world powers last November in Geneva. The International Atomic Energy Agency also confirmed that the accord has gone into effect.

The United States and the European Union said that they were suspending certain sanctions for six months as part of the deal. White House spokesman Jay Carney announced: "In reciprocation for Iran's concrete actions, the United States and its P5+1 partners -- the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China -- as well as the European Union will today follow through on our commitment to begin to provide the modest relief agreed to with Iran." But Carney was quick to add: "At the same time, we will continue our aggressive enforcement of the sanctions measures that will remain in place throughout this six-month period."

U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Secretary of State John Kerry approved a waiver to ease economic sanctions against Iran. The Barack Obama administration sanctions relief measure comes despite some efforts in Congress to enforce a sanctions bill if Iran breaks the nuclear agreement. U.S. President Barack Obama threatened to veto the legislation if it passes Congress.