Israel said on Friday that “all possible means” were on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and urged the international community to do more to prevent the proliferation of advanced weapons in Tehran.
Talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers have been at an impasse since September.
Western states accuse Iran of making unreasonable demands after all sides appeared to be moving closer to a deal, but with no breakthrough in sight, Iran continued to develop its nuclear program.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog this month criticized Iran for making an unstated change to the interconnection between the two groups of advanced machines that enrich uranium to 60% purity, close to weapons grade, at its Fordow plant.
“When we talk about preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, we must keep all possible means – I repeat, all possible means – on the table,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, speaking at an event alongside US, UAE and Bahrain officials at the Munich Security Conference.
Yoav said Iran is expanding its proliferation of advanced weapons beyond the region, despite an ongoing embargo that includes restrictions on missiles and related technologies that lasts until October 2023 and covers the export and purchase of advanced military systems.
“Iran is currently discussing the sale of advanced weapons to no less than 50 different countries,” he said, referring to combat drones and precision-guided munitions and citing Belarus and Venezuela.
“The international community must create an effective alternative to the moribund embargo – a practical mechanism of deterrence and consequences,” he said.
It is widely believed that Israel has its own nuclear arsenal, although it will neither confirm nor deny this.
The 2015 deal limited Iran’s uranium enrichment program to make it harder for Tehran to develop nuclear weapons, in exchange for lifting international sanctions. Iran says it is developing nuclear power for peaceful reasons.
Iran’s crackdown on protesters and the sale of drones to Russia in its war with Ukraine have also raised tensions with Western powers, who say Tehran is violating a UN Security Council resolution by transferring drones.
The United States and the European Union have imposed several sanctions on Iran over drone transfers. The EU must punish individuals linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for producing drones used against Ukraine.
Source: CNN Brasil
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