Israel may attack Iran within several months – reportsFebruary 3, 2012 - 13:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian news agency RIA Novosti has analyzed foreign media reports to prove the growing possibility that Israel may attack Iranian nuclear facilities over the next few months. A Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, reported on Thursday, Feb 2, that the U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June,” before Iran acquires the capability to produce a fully-fledged nuclear bomb. "The Israelis fear that Iran will have stored enough enriched uranium in deep underground facilities to make a weapon very soon and only the United States could then stop them militarily," Ignatius wrote. CNN confirmed the Washington Post journalist’s report citing an unknown senior U.S. administration official. Ignatius wrote that one of the signals of the upcoming military operation against Iran was a statement by the Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak last month who said that the United States and Israel should postpone a military exercise that would have taken place in May. Panetta and the Pentagon refused to comment on the Washington Post report, Reuters said. Israel views Iran's uranium enrichment activity as a major threat to its security regardless of the fact that the Islamic republic denied that its nuclear program is not for military use, it claims it needs nuclear power to supply a growing demand for electricity. Israeli Military Intelligence Head, Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi said on Thursday that Iran had over four tons of enriched materials and nearly 100 kilograms of 20-percent enriched uranium, which is enough for producing four nuclear bombs. In late January the EU approved an introduction of the embargo on Iranian oil exports. Iran in response threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major export route for oil supplies from the Middle East. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |