Peres: Iran better take threat seriously, or else

The clock is ticking on Western diplomatic efforts to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear program, President Shimon Peres said in an interview with CNN released Monday.

Addressing the possibility of a military strike, Peres said “if the Iranians will understand seriously that this is an option, maybe we shall not need it. If they think this is a bluff, then it may lead to a war.”

“For that reason, the warning must be credible, the sanctions must be credible,” he added. “So let’s first of all use the non-military means, indicating to the Iranians, ‘Gentlemen, better you agree with a non-military confrontation than look for other options.'”

The statements came as Iran and six world powers resume nuclear talks in Moscow Monday. Washington has warned Tehran of increased sanctions or military action should it not be willing to meet the six powers’ demands.

“The window for diplomacy is not indefinite,” a senior US administration official told the Associated Press.

The first day of talks ended without any breakthroughs.