TEL AVIV, Dec 1: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said on Thursday Israel could not accept the emergence of a nuclear-armed Iran, but steered clear of threatening military action. “Israel, and not only Israel, cannot accept a situation in which Iran has nuclear weapons,” Mr Sharon told reporters.

“We are also taking all the necessary preparations to be ready for this kind of situation.”

Mr Sharon reaffirmed Israel’s support for diplomatic efforts, led by the United States and the European Union, to curb a uranium enrichment programme in Iran, a country that has called for the destruction of the Jewish state.

Iran says its nuclear programme is for energy needs only.

Last week, the UN International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) governing board decided not to refer Iran to the Security Council for possible sanctions in order to give Europe more time to talk it into abandoning uranium enrichment activities.

Asked about a military option against Iran if diplomacy failed, Mr Sharon said: “I am sure before anyone decides on this, every effort would be made to pressure Iran to halt this activity.

“It appears to me the efforts now being undertaken can definitely be fruitful.”

Believed to be the Middle East’s only nuclear power, Israel sent warplanes to bomb an Iraqi atomic reactor in Osiraq in 1981.

Independent experts believe Israel, perhaps with US support, could mount an Osiraq-like strike against Iran, although the latter’s nuclear facilities are numerous, dispersed and well-defended.

PALESTINE: On Palestine issue, he pledged to seek peace with the Palestinians but stood firm on keeping many West Bank settlements.