Israel not yet decided on taking military action against Iran: Panetta

Washington, Aug. 15 (ANI): U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta has played down reports that Israel is moving closer to taking military action over Iran's nuclear programme.

"I don't believe they've made a decision as to whether or not they will go in and attack," the BBC quoted Panetta, as saying.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently said that time was running out, a view also repeated by Israel's ambassador to the U.S.

Panetta, however, said that the U.S. believed there was 'still room' to talk to Iran.

Tehran has denied that its nuclear programme is aimed at producing nuclear weapons, insisting that it is for civilian energy purposes.

President Barack Obama has vowed that he will stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, the Israeli prime minister has said that Tehran believes the international community 'does not have the will' to act. (ANI)