(Adds no comment from Israel and Iran)
by Phil Stewart
WASHINGTON, Dec.9 (Reuters) – Senior US and Israeli defense officials are expected to discuss possible military exercises on Thursday that would allow them to prepare for a scenario involving the destruction of Iranian nuclear facilities if diplomatic negotiations fail and if the leaders of their countries demand it, a US official told Reuters.
The talks, scheduled between the United States and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, follow a briefing on October 25 by Pentagon officials on the range of military options available to ensure that the Iran is unable to produce a nuclear weapon, the official, who prefers to remain anonymous, said on Wednesday.
Iran denies that it wants to acquire nuclear weapons, saying it only wants to master nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
The US-Israeli preparations underscore Western concern over negotiations with Tehran to restore the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Last week, US and EU officials expressed “disappointment and concern” at Tehran’s proposed changes to a text agreed to in previous rounds of negotiations.
The US official declined to give details of the military exercises. The Israeli embassy in Washington and Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Enrique Mora, the EU’s negotiating coordinator, said talks to restore the 2015 deal would resume on Thursday and US special envoy for Iran Rob Malley is expected to travel to Vienna this weekend to participate. .
(with Arshad Mohammad; French version Camille Raynaud)
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