Report: US tells Israel that Iran needs at least a year to develop nuclear weapons

Report: Iran needs year to develop nuclear weapon

WASHINGTON — The New York Times says U.S. officials have convinced Israel that Iran needs at least a year to develop a nuclear weapon.

The newspaper reported on its website late Thursday that the assessment has dimmed the prospect for a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities by Israel.

Israeli officials thought Iran could develop nuclear weapons within months. But American officials say the timeline is longer for Tehran to turn low-enriched uranium into weapons-grade material.

Israeli officials have indicated that if they thought Iran was developing a nuclear weapon, they would probably take military action. Iran says it is enriching uranium only for peaceful purposes.