Visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the world has "reached the pivotal moment of truth" regarding Iran's controversial nuclear programme. "We have reached the pivotal moment of truth regarding Iran," Olmert said in a speech before a general assembly of North American Jewish communities gathered in Los Angeles.
"If Iran achieves the ability to produce nuclear weapons, as we know it is seeking to do, we will enter a new era of instability unlike any the world has ever seen," he said, adding that "we cannot afford to wait."
In his speech, Olmert also called on "a coalition of moderate Arab states to unite their common interests in preventing Iran from undermining stability in the Middle East. This coalition must struggle against the dangers of radical Islam that manipulate the very source of Islam itself."
Israel has in recent months stepped up its calls for the international community to take tough measures against Iran's nuclear programme.
Israel, the United States and European powers claim the programme is aimed at developing nuclear weapons despite Iranian assurances it is meant only for peaceful means.
"It would be an unbearable sin to future generations to allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons," he said. "How can we justify not preventing the catastrophic event?"
Israel -- believed to be the only nuclear power in the Middle East -- considers the Islamic republic its chief enemy, branding it as an "existential threat" after its President Mahmud Ahmadinejad repeatedly called for Israel's destruction.
"We cannot tolerate, we will not tolerate, those who challenge Israel's right to exist while actively seeking to develop the catastrophic weapons to fulfill their goals," Olmert said.
On Monday, Olmert met in Washington US President George W. Bush, who backed Israel's tough line on Iran, saying Iran "must be punished for its intransigence."
