Israeli Minister: Iran Near 'point Of No Return'

Published February 16, 2012 12:18AM (EST)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Israel's deputy prime minister says it's time for tougher sanctions against Iran before its nuclear program advances to what he calls "the point of no return."

Silvan Shalom spoke to reporters in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday after addressing the state's Legislature. His comments came as Iran claimed it has achieved two major advances in its program to master production of nuclear fuel.

Shalom says Iran will continue to proceed with its nuclear program until the world acts because Iranians believe it will give them "an insurance policy to their regime." He says Iran's latest claims show no intention to abandon plans for a nuclear bomb.

Shalom says Israel and the world couldn't live with Iran having the ability to develop a nuclear bomb.


By Salon Staff

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