Jerusalem:  Israel has hinted at a possible military strike to halt Iran's nuclear programme, saying it is the strongest country in the region and it was "not afraid to take action" against Tehran to foil its atomic ambitions.

"Israel is the strongest country in the region and has proved in the past it is not afraid to take action when its vital security interests are at stake," Defence Minister Ehud Barak said at a Labour Party meeting here yesterday.

Barak's remarks came hours after Iran test fired a second round of missiles yesterday in the Persian Gulf during a manoeuvre following the nine ballistic missiles capable of hitting Israel it tested on Wednesday.

However, he said Israel favours the use of diplomatic pressure and sanctions to stop Iran s nuclear programme.

"Currently, the focus is international sanctions and vigorous diplomatic activity, and these avenues should be exhausted," Barak said.

Meanwhile, the Israel Aerospace Industries had planned an in-house exhibition of its Eitam airplane, unveiled a year ago and equipped with sophisticated intelligence-gathering systems.

Israeli experts said that the missile launched as part of large-scale military exercise in Iran on Wednesday is not a more capable version of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile.

Revolutionary Guard Commanders said that the nine missiles tested were medium and long-range weapons including some that are capable of striking Israel.

Source : PTI