But he added that Israel was preparing for any eventuality and had the "capability to defend itself" after Iran resumed nuclear research.

Israeli concerns about Iran have grown since the election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be "wiped off the map".

The warning appears to be a veiled suggestion that if diplomacy fails, Israel may be planning a repetition of its pre-emptive strike against Iraq in 1981.

While Iran insists the programme is purely aimed at meeting its energy needs, western countries suspect Tehran may be seeking to develop nuclear weapons, and talks over the issue are stalled.

The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) agency is due to meet on February 2 to discuss whether to refer Iran to the Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

BBC