Israeli Minister Says Military Action May Be Needed Against Iran

Israel's chief of military intelligence Aviv Kochavi

Israel's defense minister says there is growing international awareness that military action against Iran's nuclear program will have to be considered.

Ehud Barak told a security conference on February 2 that world leaders were increasingly realizing that if sanctions don't stop Iran's nuclear program, "there will be a need to consider action."

Earlier, Israel's chief of military intelligence told the same gathering that Iran has enough radioactive material to produce several nuclear bombs.

General Aviv Kochavi said on February 2 that Iran has accumulated nearly 100 kilograms of material at an enrichment level of 20 percent.

He said this amount was enough to produce four bombs.

The United States and the European Union have imposed tighter sanctions in recent weeks on both Iran's oil exports and on international financial transactions with Tehran.

Iran says its nuclear energy program is peaceful and is aimed at generating electricity and other civilian uses.

Compiled from agency reports