Iran nuclear programme also a threat to Europe: Israel general

JERUSALEM (AFP) - Iran could threaten the whole of Europe if it is allowed to develop an atom bomb, an Israeli general said in the Jewish state's latest salvo against its archfoe's nuclear programme.

"With a nuclear weapon, Iran would represent a threat to the existence of Israel and could also destabilize the Near East," Major General Moshe Kaplinsky said Friday.

"This threat would extend well beyond the borders of Israel, perhaps even to all of Europe," the general told army radio.

Israel has been the most outspoken supporter of US-led calls for UN sanctions to be imposed on Iran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment in line with Security Council resolutions.

Israel is widely believed to be the Middle East's sole nuclear power with an estimated 200 warheads, although it has long maintained a policy of neither confirming nor denying its arsenal.