Intel head: Iran believes chance of attack on it is low
03/14/2013 13:02
Iran is facing growing economic and domestic pressure due to
international sanctions on it, but Tehran believes that the chances of a
military strike on its nuclear program is low, IDF Military
intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Aviv Kochavi told the Herzliya Conference
on Thursday.
Kochavi said Iran was facing growing economic
strains due to the sanctions, including oil exports that have nearly
halved, a 60 percent inflation rate, and rising unemployment. "The
vehicle [manufacturing] sector, which is the largest sector in the
Iranian economy, dropped by 60%," Kochavi said. The regime is facing
growing domestic criticism due to the economic pressure, he added.
"I
believe the weight from the sanctions is becoming an increasingly
decisive element in the Iranian decision making process, but it has not
yet caused them to change their [nuclear] policy," he said.
"We
believe Iran will continue to develop its nuclear program, and
intelligently deal with pressure from the street and the international
community," he said. "The regime believes there is not a high
probability for an attack on it," he said.