None immune from Iranian nuclear threat, warns Israel

Proponent of a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, a top Israeli leader has warned the West that no country was immune to Tehran's missiles and that the range of these rockets covers most of Europe.

Former Defence Minister and Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz, who serves as the chairman of a powerful parliamentary committee, also called for a change in the international approach to deal with the Iranian threat.

His remarks came a day after International Atomic Energy Agency released a report over Iran's nuclear programme, outlining Tehran's attempts to develop an atomic weapon.

"Iran's missile range covers most of the European capitals. Anyone who thinks he's immune (to the danger) is making a mistake," Mofaz told Army Radio.

Chairman of the influential Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in the Israeli Knesset (parliament), Mofaz said: "Change is not exclusive to Israel."

Mofaz, who was at the helm of Israeli army for several years, contended that the report's findings were not news to Israel "but exposed the true face of Iran and its intentions."

        The report "constitutes an opportunity for the free world

to take action. The time has come to intensify sanctions on

Iran that will paralyse the Iranian economy," he said.

He also noted that "military action of any kind, particularly from Israel, is the last and worst action at this time, but all options must be on the table and ready. We will not accept a nuclear Iran."

Israel has dubbed Iran's atomic programme "an existential threat" but did not rush to respond to the UN agency's report.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said Israel is studying the report and will issue a response later. A statement from his office instructed cabinet ministers not to discuss the report with the media until further notice.