Speaking on condition of anonymity, the senior Israeli figure said that Iran was now extremely close to acquiring enough fissile material to make a nuclear bomb and yet nothing is being done by the international community, which is focused on attempted talks over reviving an international pact with the country.
The official said: The international community, including Britain, has to change paradigm…  and understand that we’re very close to a point where there will be no return and do every effort possible in order to stop Irans advancements in the nuclear file.
There are a lot of tools for the international community to challenge Iran, whether its strong enforcement of economic sanctions, whether its challenging it in international arenas, multilateral arenas, not sending an official representation to Raisis inauguration for example, theres so much that can be done, and not being done. Thats a huge worry for us. And the fact that Iran feels so confident to attack ships in the way it did, that just goes to show you that they don’t feel real international criticism or threat.
Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, described the attack on Mercer Street as unlawful and callous, stating that the UK was working with our international partners on a concerted response to this unacceptable attack.
Israel strongly opposes the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions by countries such as the UK. Britain, France, Germany and the US have been in talks with Iran to revive the pact.
But the Israeli official said it was only severe sanctions that have historically brought Iran to the table.