Ex-Israeli Intelligence Chief: Iran Can Build Bomb

Published January 19, 2012 6:18AM (EST)

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli newspaper is quoting a former Israeli military intelligence chief as saying Iran has all the components to build a nuclear bomb.

Iran says its nuclear program is designed to produce energy and serve other peaceful purposes, but Israel and the West say it is aimed at developing weapons technology.

Amos Yadlin was quoted by Thursday's Maariv daily as saying that if Iranian leaders "get together tonight and decide they are going to secretly develop a bomb," they have all the resources and components they need.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Iran has not officially decided to build bombs because that could draw harsher international sanctions and other actions against it.


By Salon Staff

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