Netanyahu signals Israel could strike Iran even as diplomacy continues
The Israeli premier says he is determined to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while Qatar reports that US-Iran mediation has advanced.
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled that Israel could take unilateral military action against Iran, even as diplomatic efforts continue towards an agreement aimed at ending the conflict between Tehran and Washington.
"We heard today the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ahmad Vahidi, declare that Iran intends to press on with developing nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said on Wednesday.
"As Prime Minister of Israel, I am determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons," he added.
While describing the United States as Israel's greatest ally, Netanyahu said he was nonetheless determined to do whatever was necessary to guarantee Israel's security.
Qatar cites exchange of draft proposals
On Tuesday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said mediation efforts between the US and Iran had reached a more advanced stage, with both sides exchanging draft proposals.
Speaking at the ministry's weekly press briefing, Al-Ansari said efforts were continuing with all parties to reach a diplomatic solution.
Background
On Feb 28, the US and Israel launched a war against Iran which, according to Iranian authorities, killed more than 3,000 people.
Iran then retaliated by launching attacks on several regional countries hosting US military assets. – AFP
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