Israel, US see need for 'tangible action' on Iran
US, Israel agree on need for 'tangible action' to prevent Islamic Republic from moving nuclear program forward, PM Olmert's spokesman says after Bush visit; meanwhile, White House says US to help Saudi Arabia develop nuke energy
The United States and Israel agree on the need for "tangible action" to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's spokesman said after a visit by US President George W. Bush.
Regev described diplomatic efforts so far to exert pressure on Iran as "positive", but added: "It is clearly not sufficient and it's clear that additional steps will have to be taken".
Asked about the option of using military force, Regev said:
"Leaders of many countries have talked about many options being on the table and, of course, Israel agrees with that."
'Harsh domestic crises'
Bush ratcheted up his rhetoric toward Tehran in a speech to Israel's Knesset on Thursday, saying critics' calls for talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad were comparable to the "appeasement" of Adolf Hitler before World War Two.
Bush vowed that Washington would stand with Israel in opposing Iran's nuclear ambitions, saying it would be "unforgivable" if Tehran were allowed to get the bomb.
Iran has said it will not stop uranium enrichment, which it says is for generating electricity only. In a separate development on Friday, the United States said it would sign an agreement with Saudi Arabia to help the kingdom develop peaceful nuclear energy.
Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar was quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) as saying Thursday that Israel was too weak and vulnerable to attack Iran.
"Israel has raised the claim of attacking the Islamic Republic of Iran mostly to cover up its weak points and harsh domestic crises," Najjar said, adding that "the Israelis have made the claims on the 60th anniversary of their establishment to divert public opinion from broad corruption and weakness of Israeli officials."
