Deputy foreign minister says North Korean deal no model for Iranian nukes

JERUSALEM (AP) — North Korea’s agreement to freeze its nuclear weapons program in exchange for food aid is not a blueprint for Iran, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said Thursday.

“The two cases are entirely dissimilar,” he told Israel Radio. “As we know, the Koreans have already crossed the threshold of nuclear capability and this is not what we want to see in Iran,” he added.

On Wednesday, some Israeli officials said the world should follow the North Korea model and starve Tehran into submission, according to a Ynet report.

“North Korea is halting its nuclear program in order to receive aid in food, and this is what should be done with Iran as well,” one official was quoted as saying on condition of anonymity. “Suffocating sanctions could lead to a grave economic situation in Iran and to a shortage of food… this would force the regime to consider whether the nuclear adventure is worthwhile.”

Israel and the United States say that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. They disagree on how to react. Israeli leaders have hinted at striking Iran, while Washington advises waiting for sanctions to take effect.

Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.