The Iranian government has long denied that it is trying to build nuclear weapons (File)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that Iran is trying to develop a “stockpile” of nuclear bombs aimed at destroying Israel, two days after Israel bombed military targets in the Islamic republic.
On Saturday, Israel carried out airstrikes on military sites in Iran in response to Tehran’s October 1 attack, which was a retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guard commander.
“Iran is trying to develop a stockpile of nuclear bombs to destroy us, armed with long-range missiles, intercontinental missiles, which Iran is trying to develop,” Netanyahu said.
“Iran can pose a threat to the whole world at any moment,” Netanyahu said, addressing lawmakers at the start of the Israeli parliament’s winter session.
“Stopping Iran’s nuclear program is at the forefront of our minds, and for obvious reasons, I cannot share with you all of our plans and actions in this regard.”
The Iranian government has long denied it is trying to build nuclear weapons and insists its program is for peaceful purposes.
In recent years it has reduced its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency while substantially expanding its nuclear program, including amassing a large stockpile of enriched uranium.
But the head of the UN nuclear watchdog said last week that Iran was showing a “willingness” to re-engage on the nuclear issue.
Tehran, which backs Hamas, warned it would “respond firmly and effectively” to Israel’s attacks over the weekend.
The war in Gaza has attracted Tehran-backed allies of the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Netanyahu said on Monday that “the fanatical axis of evil led by Iran is threatening to destroy our country and occupy other countries”.
It “aspires to take control of our region by force”, he said, adding that Israel is “the real obstacle in Iran’s path”.
“Because according to Iran, if Israel falls, many countries will fall with it. The whole Middle East will fall into its hands”.
The UN Security Council will meet later on Monday at Iran’s request. Tehran has urged the world to condemn Saturday’s attacks, which officials said killed four soldiers and caused some damage.
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