U.S., U.K. urge Israel not to attack Iran

JERUSALEM -- The United States and Britain urged Israel Sunday not to attack Iran's nuclear program as the White House national security adviser arrived in the region, reflecting growing international jitters that the Israelis are poised to strike.

In their warnings, both Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and British Foreign Minister William Hague said an Israeli attack would have grave consequences for the entire region and urged Israel to give international sanctions against Iran more time to work. Dempsey said an Israeli attack is "not prudent," and Hague said it would not be "a wise thing."

Both Israel and the West believe Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb, which Tehran denies. But differences have emerged in how to respond to the perceived threat.

The United States and the European Union have both imposed harsh new sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector, the lifeline of the Iranian economy. With the sanctions just beginning to bite, they have expressed optimism that Iran can be persuaded to curb its nuclear ambitions. Yesterday, Iran's Oil Ministry said it has halted oil shipments to Britain and France in an apparent pre-emptive blow against the European Union.

Israel has welcomed the sanctions, but it has pointedly refused to rule out military action and in recent weeks sent signals that its patience is running thin.

In an interview broadcast Sunday on CNN, Dempsey said Israel has the capability to strike Iran and delay the Iranians "probably for a couple of years. But some of the targets are probably beyond their reach." He expressed concern that an Israeli attack could spark reprisals against U.S. targets in the Gulf or Afghanistan, where American forces are based.

"That's the question with which we all wrestle. And the reason that we think that it's not prudent at this point to decide to attack Iran," Dempsey said.