Seized nuclear archive could deter Iran: Israel

Seized nuclear archive could deter Iran: Israel
Israel's 'new' information on Iran could be a deterrent to it prevent Tehran carrying out strikes on Israel.
2 min read
01 May, 2018
Netanyahu claimed to have proof of Iran's nuclear weapons programme [Getty]
Seizing Iran's nuclear programme archive could prove to be a deterrent to the Islamic Republic from striking Israel, a minister has claimed.

Ministry of Construction Yoav Galant said on Tuesday that, "anyone who saw the intelligence achievement can also understand what our military capabilities are".

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu 'revealed' on Monday that he had proof of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme, giving a presentation live on television allegedly detailing the country's nuclear dossier.

The Israeli leader has promised to hand over intelligence on Iran to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), however observers believe that it is unlikely to contain anything new.

The claims come as the White House considers whether to quit a landmark atomic accord with Iran that Israel is opposed to.

Trump has used the Israeli leaders claims, saying that the discovery vindicated his criticism of the deal.

The 2015 agreement saw Iran agree to freeze its nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

The US president has been threatening for months to pull out of the deal negotiated between Tehran and six world powers, rejecting it as "insane" and "ridiculous" partly because its restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities begin expiring in 2025.

Trump's decision will need to be made before the 12 May deadline.

"I'm not telling you what I'm doing, but a lot of people think they know," Trump said. "On or before the 12th, we'll make a decision."

Trump remained evasive when asked about the new Israeli charges.

"What Israel has done today in the news conference was right," Trump said, without elaborating.

The US president also rebutted the suggestion that walking away from the Iran deal would send a disastrous signal to North Korea - as Washington seeks to persuade Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

"No, I think it sends the right message," Trump said.