"The issue of Iran is a very serious one," Olmert said in an interview with CNN television, saying that Iran's alleged bid to develop a nuclear bomb "can be measured by months rather than years".

"The technological threshold is very close. The question is when, will they cross the technological line that will allow them at any given time, within six or eight months, to have a nuclear bomb?"

"And this technological threshold is nearer than we anticipated before. This is because they are already engaged very seriously in enrichment," Olmert said.

Asked if he expected US and European diplomatic pressure to bring a stop to Iran's uranium enrichment program, Olmert replied: "I prefer to take the necessary measures to stop it, rather than find out later that my indifference was so dangerous."

Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons and says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

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