'We mean it,' Israel's Barak tells Iran on nuclear arms

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned Iran on Sunday that Israel would never allow Iranian leaders to develop a nuclear weapon, as he addressed a powerful US-Israel lobby.

"It is Iran's pursuit of a nuclear capability which is the greatest challenge facing Israel, the region and the world today," Barak told thousands of delegates at the opening of the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

World powers leading negotiations with Iran to rein in its suspect nuclear program concluded talks in Kazakhstan last week, after putting forward a proposal to Iranian leaders to halt their uranium enrichment.

But Barak, stepping down as defense minister as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu draws up a new cabinet, cast doubt on whether the negotiations, due to resume later this month, would have any success.

"Frankly, while exhausting all diplomatic means is understandable, I do not believe it will lead to a moment of truth when the ayatollahs will give up their nuclear situation. Therefore, all options must remain on the table," Barak said.

"We expect all those who say it to mean it. Ladies and gentlemen, we mean it. And let me repeat it, we mean it," he added forcefully.

AIPAC, which touts itself as the most influential US foreign policy lobby, will also hear a speech live from Netanyahu on Monday via video link, following an address by US Vice President Joe Biden.

Some 13,000 people are expected to flock to the three-day event being held at the Washington Convention Center, but the gathering is more muted than in previous years, with neither President Barack Obama nor Israeli President Shimon Peres in attendance.

Obama is preparing to make his first trip as president to Israel in just two weeks' time, and Netanyahu has stayed at home as he seeks to patch together a coalition following January's elections.

Iran and its nuclear ambitions will top the agenda for his talks in Israel, along with the war in Syria and the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

There have been fears that Israel would take unilateral action against Tehran, but the threat has somewhat receded after Obama vowed the United States will not pursue a policy of containment if Iran seeks a nuclear weapon.

Iran has denied seeking an atomic bomb, saying its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.

Barak thanked Obama and former defense secretary Leon Panetta for their "resolute backing of Israel."

And he also wished new Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel "all the best in his new role," adding that "he will no doubt serve his country with the same pride and honor with which he served on the battlefield and in Congress."

Hagel's confirmation by Congress met some stiff opposition from US lawmakers over his past statements on Iran's nuclear program and US-Israeli relations.

Hagel was eventually confirmed last week and he will meet with Barak for the first time as defense secretary on Tuesday.