WarSclerotic

Iran will be able to develop a nuclear weapon within 12 months once it decides to do so, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz warned on Wednesday.

Speaking at the 12th Annual Herzliya Conference, Gantz said that there was no doubt that Iran was working on developing a nuclear weapon and that from the moment it decides to begin assembling the bomb and enriching uranium to the necessary levels it would take a year or even less.

“Iran is a global problem, a regional problem and a problem for Israel. Iran wants to solidify its regime by creating a nuclear deterrent,” he said. “Israel is the only country which someone calls for its destruction and is building the tools to do so.”

Gantz also slammed Russia, which he said was continuing to supply Syria with advanced weaponry even though it is unclear who will be in control of the country if and when Bashar Assad’s regime is toppled.

“The Middle East is undergoing the greatest military buildup in the world and we are the target,” he said.

In related news, the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Wednesday it would hold a second round of talks with Iran over concerns that the Iranian state is working on developing an atomic bomb.

A senior team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) returned earlier on Wednesday after three days of talks in Tehran. The IAEA later released a statement saying a new meeting would take place on Feb 21-22 in the Iranian capital.

“The Agency is committed to intensifying dialogue. It remains essential to make progress on substantive issues,” IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said.

Iran regularly denied accusations it is developing a bomb bad says its nuclear work is for power generation and other peaceful purposes.