US army chief: Narrow space left for stopping Iran attaining nuke

Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued his most serious warning yet about the approach of a nuclear-armed Iran: “Most of us believe that Iran is one to three years” from developing a nuclear weapon… depending on where they are right now. But they are moving closer, clearly, and they continue to do that,” he told ABC’s “This Week” Sunday, May 24. He indicated that an Iran could develop a nuke at any time from one to three years hence.
“That’s why this engagement in dialogue is so important. I think we should do that with all options on the table…” although a “pretty narrow space” is left for a successful outcome meaning Ira does not end up with nuclear weapons.
At the same time, Mullen said a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities could have grave consequences – but so too would a nuclear-armed Iran.
In talks with Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu on May 18, US president Barack Obama said the talks with Iran he is seeking cannot “go on forever” and agreed that at the end of the year, progress would be evaluated.
Israel defense minister Ehud Barak visits Washington in the next few days.