JERUSALEM: The Israeli army chief of staff has said in Washington that all options must be prepared to counter Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, in remarks relayed on Thursday.

“We are all united over the understanding that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon and that there is no doubt that diplomacy must be given priority,” Major General Gabi Ashkenazi said on Israeli public radio.

“But we all realise, both the Americans and us, that all options must be prepared,” said the chief of staff, who is on his first visit to Washington since taking office last year.

Ashkenazi has held talks with military top brass as well as Vice President Dick Cheney, and was due to hold talks on Thursday with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen.—AFP