WORLD> Middle East
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US, Israel discuss diplomatic push on Iran
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-01 09:48 Israel is believed to have the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, though it has never confirmed having nuclear weapons. Israel officially maintains that it will not be the first nation to introduce nuclear weapons in the region. The US-Israeli talks were part of regular consultations between the two countries known as the "strategic dialogue." The delegations were led by US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Bill Burns, and Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz. Mofaz is considered a possible successor to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who plans to quit after his party chooses a new leader in September. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said in New York this week that tough sanctions should be used to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but added that no options should be excluded. |