NEW YORK: Italy’s foreign minister says the option of an Israeli attack against Iranian nuclear facilities is a concrete possibility.

Giulio Terzi said that added pressure on the Islamic Republic from the European Union is expected in coming weeks, which could help jump start negotiations over Iran’s disputed nuclear programme. “The card of military intervention by Israel to hit Iranian nuclear sites ... is certainly a card that is still on the table,” Terzi said in an interview on Friday. “I consider it an option of last resort.” European nations are seeking to agree on a new round of sanctions against Iran at a meeting next month. Iran insists its programme is solely for peaceful energy and scientific research purposes.—AP