Iran 'nearing breakthrough' on technology to build nuclear bomb

Occupied Jerusalem: Israel's military intelligence chief says Iran is close to a "technological breakthrough" that would enable it to build nuclear weapons.

Major General Amos Yadlin says Iran has enough nuclear material for a warhead and is close to being able to build one. He doesn't specify the new technology or say when he expects Iran to reach such a capability.

The assessment, made in a speech on Tuesday, matched similar observations Yadlin has given in closed briefings to Israeli leaders. However, he rarely speaks in public, and the comments reflected Israel's deep concerns about Iran.

Israel and many Western countries believe Iran is racing to develop a nuclear weapons program. Iran says its nuclear programme is strictly for energy production.