Israel has drawn up plans for a combined air and ground attack on Iranian nuclear installations should diplomatic efforts fail to halt Tehran's nuclear programme, a report in the Sunday Times said. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's inner cabinet gave "initial authorisation" for an attack at a private meeting in February on his ranch in the Negev desert, the weekly said.
"Israeli forces have used a mock-up of Irans Natanz uranium enrichment plant in the desert to practise destroying it," the Sunday Times said.
It added the operation would include raids by Israel's elite Shaldag (Kingfisher) commando unit and airstrikes by F-15 jets from 69 Squadron, using bunker-busting bombs to penetrate underground facilities. Israel has discussed its plans with American officials who have indicated that the United States would not prevent such an attack in the event that efforts by the international community fail to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Britain, France and Germany have been trying to secure "objective guarantees" that Iran will not use its atomic energy ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, and in exchange they are offering a package of trade, security, diplomatic and technology benefits to the Islamic republic.
Ideally, the Europeans would like to see Iran call a permanent halt to its uranium enrichment activities, which are currently suspended.
Iran maintains it has the right to enrich uranium to produce atomic fuel, but once mastered the fuel cycle can be diverted to military purposes.
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