Israel PM warns Iran after top diplomat talks of changing nuclear doctrine

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Nov 28 that Israel would do "everything" to stop Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, after Iran's top diplomat warned it could end its ban on developing one if Western sanctions are reimposed.

The renewed war of words between the Middle East foes came as Iran prepares to hold key nuclear talks with European governments on Nov 29 which have been overshadowed by their joining with Washington to have Tehran censured by the UN atomic watchdog.

"I will do everything to prevent it from becoming a nuclear (power), I will use all the resources that can be used," Mr Netanyahu told Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 in an interview.

Israel is the region's sole, if undeclared, nuclear-armed state. It has long made preventing any rival from matching it its top defence priority.

Mr Netanyahu said on Nov 26 that the ceasefire that went into effect in Lebanon the following day would allow Israel to focus on Iran. He did not elaborate on what action he envisaged.

Iran launched two missile barrages at Israel over the past year in retaliation for the killing of leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as an Iranian general.

Israel responded both times with limited attacks on Iran, most recently bombing several military sites on Oct 26.

Last week's chiding at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) prompted a defiant response from Tehran, but its officials have since signalled willingness to engage with others ahead of the return of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose last administration pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran.