Israeli defense minister says there is still time for diplomacy in dealing with Iran

Israeli says time left for diplomacy on Iran

VIENNA — Israel’s defense minister says there is still time for diplomacy in trying to persuade Iran to end its nuclear defiance.

But Ehud Barak suggests a military strike remains an option, should the Islamic Republic continue to expand nuclear activities that could be used to make weapons.

Barak spoke to reporters Monday during an official visit to Austria.

He said the international community needs to turn to tough sanctions to persuade Tehran to give up uranium enrichment military and to “stop their move toward a military nuclear capacity.”

Barak said Israel recommends “to all players not to remove any options from the table.” Such phrasing is diplomatic language for the possibility of a military strike should diplomacy fail.

Both Washington and Israel have repeatedly used such language in talking about Iran.