Defence secretary Leon Panetta says he does not think Israel has made a decision to launch a military strike on Iran to thwart its nuclear ambitions.
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee today, Panetta was pressed on the growing possibility that Israel would attack Iran. Israel has blamed Iran for recent diplomatic attacks overseas. Tehran has denied responsibility.
Panetta said Iran was a great concern and the US has a common cause with Israel and the international community to ensure that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon. He said the US and other nations have taken strong steps with sanctions and stressed the importance of keeping the international community together.
Panetta said that as President Barack Obama suggested, the administration does not think Israel has made a decision.