The risk of Iranian nuclear proliferation is a serious threat in coming months and Britain and France are working out strategies to prepare for such an event, the head of France’s foreign intelligence service said on Friday.
“Our services are working side by side to face what is undoubtedly one of the threats, if not to say the most critical threat, in the coming months – the possible atomic proliferation in Iran,” Nicolas Lerner said at the British embassy in Geneva.
His rare public comments come as Iran and European powers meet in Geneva to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, the situation in the Middle East, and Tehran’s ties with Russia amid the war in Ukraine.
“The intelligence of intelligence will be crucial to enable our authorities to make the right decisions and define the right strategies,” he said.
Could a transition of power on a global scale push Iranian action?
Concerns have been raised within Israel’s defense establishment that Iran might try to exploit the period before former US President Donald Trump’s return to office to act against Israel.
Intelligence services have begun intensifying intelligence sharing and situational assessments with the US military to prevent overlooking critical developments.
Officials emphasize that Israel’s political leadership must understand Trump’s proposed Iran policy to shape its own military and diplomatic strategy. Many within the defense community believe that the diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions “have run their course.”
Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
