Israel sees Cheney’s remarks as warning to Europe

JERUSALEM: Israeli officials said on Friday US Vice President Dick Cheney’s comments about a possible Israeli strike on Iran was a message to Europe to take a tougher stance against Tehran’s nuclear programme. Cheney said on Thursday in an interview there was concern Israel might attack Iran if it “became convinced the Iranians had significant nuclear capability” due to Tehran’s stated goal to destroy the Jewish state. Israeli officials said Cheney’s remarks were not aimed at Israel but were intended as a message to Europe to take a harder line with Iran over its nuclear and missile programmes. “It was intended to tell the Europeans: ‘If you don’t take a greater role in a policy of implementing sanctions and moving vigorously to stop Iran’s nuclear programme, then we are not responsible for what Israel will do’,” a senior official said. He added that Israel traditionally “followed the leadership of the US regarding Iran” and fully supported international sanctions and pressure on Tehran to cease nuclear activities. Iran has said its nuclear programme is aimed solely at generating electricity, although it has spoken openly about its missile programme, which officials have said, gives Tehran the capability of striking back against an attacker. reuters

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