Israel may be preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities within the year, reported Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post on Sunday, citing US administration assessments.

According to the report, the attempt to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons has been discussed at various levels, as well as the effects such an attack would have on US military and political efforts in Iraq and in the Persian Gulf.

The American UPI news service said the US President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minster Ariel Sharon recently discussed the subject at their meeting. Following the meeting, Bush said it is inconceivable for the Middle East if Iran acquires nuclear weapons.

As a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran has been accused by the United States of using its nuclear energy programme as cover for plans to build atomic weapons which could be directed at Israel. Tehran has vehemently denied the claims.

Source: Xinhua