Israeli Defense Minister calls for tougher sanctions against IranJune 15, 2013 - 16:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon has called for tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program regardless of who is elected as its new president, public radio reported on Saturday, June 15, according to The Daily Star. The report came as partial results from Friday's election gave a clear lead to moderate Hassan Rowhani, who headed Iran's nuclear negotiating team under reformist president Mohammad Khatami in the early 2000s and has pledged to engage more with the international community. "We must toughen the sanctions against Iran and make this country understand that the military option remains on the table to halt the progress of its dangerous nuclear program," the radio station quoted Yaalon as saying on a visit to the United States. Asked about the presidential election, Yaalon replied: "It is (supreme leader Ayatollah) Ali Khamenei who will decide who gets elected." A Pentagon statement confirmed that Yaalon discussed Iran in talks with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Friday but gave few details. Hagel and Yaalon "reaffirmed that the United States and Israel will continue to work together to counter threats posed by Iran and remain prepared for a range of contingencies," the statement said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already said on Wednesday that he expects no change in Iran's nuclear policy whoever wins the election. Israel is the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power and has made preventing Iran from developing a rival arsenal its top strategic priority. Iran insists its nuclear program is for civil power generation and medical purposes only. 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |