Israel issues Warning over nuclear Iran
Pastor Dale Morgan
Israel issues Warning over nuclear Iran*
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said Iran's nuclear programme
must be stopped by "all possible means".
Speaking during a visit to Washington, he said Tehran must be made to
see it would suffer devastating repercussions if it pursued atomic weapons.
The US and others have accused Iran of building a nuclear arms
capability. Tehran says its programme is peaceful.
Mr Olmert's US visit comes as he faces pressure at home over corruption
allegations, which he denies.
"The Iranian threat must be stopped by all possible means," Mr Olmert
said in his speech before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee -
a lobby group.
"The international community has a duty and responsibility to clarify to
Iran, through drastic measures, that the repercussions of their
continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will be devastating," he added.
UN concern
Correspondents say it was the Israeli prime minister's strongest warning
yet to Iran.
Mr Olmert's comments followed a speech by Iran's supreme leader,
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who insisted his country would not make nuclear
weapons but would continue its civilian nuclear programme.
Earlier, the UN's nuclear watchdog said Iran's alleged research into
warheads was of "serious concern", urging the country to give "full
disclosure" on its atomic work.
Mr Olmert is expected to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue in talks with
President George W Bush on Wednesday.
At home Mr Olmert has faced calls that he step down over allegations of
corruption.
The prime minister has been accused of taking $500,000 (£250,000) in
bribes or illegal campaign donations, accusations that he denies.
He has not been charged, but says he would resign if indicted.