Israeli general sees positive side to US-Iran talks

Israel's military intelligence chief said he sees a positive side to a possible US dialogue with Iran on halting its nuclear programme, an assessment that broke ranks with Israeli foreign policy.

US President-elect Barack Obama has stated a readiness to talk with Iran, raising concerns in Israel over a weakening in Western pressure to curb Tehran's uranium enrichment.

"Dialogue with Iran while at the same time insisting on clear and defined parameters for stopping the Iranian nuclear programme is not necessarily negative," Major General Amos Yadlin said in a lecture in Tel Aviv, excerpts of which were broadcast on Israel Radio yesterday.

"If that fails, there could be a greater realisation that sanctions and the diplomatic campaign against Iran should be stepped up," Major General Yadlin said.

His comments clashed with remarks voiced by Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni after Mr Obama was elected earlier this month. She said talks he might hold with Iran could be seen as a sign of US weakness and that she did not support such a dialogue.