Barak: Time running out on Iran threat

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday that immediate diplomatic action must be taken on the Iranian nuclear program, in light of recent reports of initial tests at the Bushehr nuclear reactor in the Islamic Republic.

"Time flies. It's slipping through our fingers. Even if the (US) Administration decides to engage in dialogue, such dialogue must  be brief and limited in time," he said.

Barak's words came only hours after Iran's nuclear agency head announced that "good news" would be released on April 9 regarding progress on the nuclear program.

Speaking at a conference at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, the defense minister added: "Firm and forceful sanctions need to be imposed on the Iranian regime, and there needs to be willingness to consider other options, in case those sanctions fail to stop the nuclear drive."

According to Barak, Russia, which was a major partner in operating the reactor, plays a central role in curbing Iran's nuke efforts. "It's hard to see international sanctions stopping Iran if they’re not accompanied by close cooperation with the Russians, and possibly also the Chinese and the Indians.

"Only a tight-knit, comprehensive and focused international ring could perhaps stop this project," he added.

As to the possibility that Israel may take action against Iran, Barak said: "At the moment what is needed is sanctions, but Israel does not rule out any option and recommends that others not rule out any option as well. We mean what we say."

In his speech, the defense minister also commented on the situation in the south. "This operation (in Gaza) delivered a very hard blow to Hamas, made them want a ceasefire, and also created an opportunity, which I hope we will have the sense to take advantage of, to speed up the process of bringing Gilad Shalit home.