Israel Says it Will Follow US Lead in Dealing With Iran

Dow Jones Newswires:

Israel will follow the U.S. lead in dealing with Iran 's nuclear aspirations, Vice Premier Shimon Peres said Monday, but didn't rule out military action if diplomatic and economic pressure fail to stop Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. ...

Meir Dagan, the head of Israel's Mossad spy service, told lawmakers Monday that by the end of the year, Iran would have the technical ability and know-how to build a nuclear bomb, according to parliament spokesman Giora Pordes. From that point, it would take only a year or two to actually develop the weapon, Dagan told a closed-door meeting in parliament.

Peres said he believes the United States would continue seeking a diplomatic solution, and that Israel would follow Washington's lead.

"The United States has to decide, not us," he told Israel Army Radio. "If we go it alone, we will remain alone. Everyone knows our potential but we also have to know our limits. As long as there is a possibility that the world will organize to fight against Iran 's nuclear option, let the world organize." ...

Asked whether he was ruling out the military option in dealing with Iran , Peres said: "No, I didn't say that." more

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