'Israeli attack on Iran unlikely to succeed'

German Defense Minister de Maiziere says he is not worried about an attack due to its difficulty, combined with its political fallout.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere 390 (R) (photo credit: Francois Lenoir / Reuters)
German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere 390 (R)
(photo credit: Francois Lenoir / Reuters)
German Defense Minister Thomas de Maiziere said he is not worried about an Israeli military strike against Iran because the chances of an attack succeeding are highly unlikely, in an interview with German newspaper the Frankfurter Allgemeine published Saturday.
In addition, the potential political fallout of launching an attack would likely prevent a strike, according to the report. European sanctions will begin to work in July when an oil embargo takes effect, he added.
The German defense minister also cast doubt on comments attributed to US Defense Minister Leon Panetta, in which he reportedly said Israel would attack Iran in the coming months. "I have personally spoken with Mr. Panetta," de Maiziere said, adding that the prediction was only reported by a journalist and did not come directly from the US defense minister.
Click here for full Jpost coverage of the Iranian threat
Click here for full Jpost coverage of the Iranian threat
On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu also warned against an attack on Tehran, saying it would be catastrophic for the region.
“A military strike is a disaster. It should not be an option,” he said during an appearance at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “Especially at a historic turning point in our region, we do not want to see another huge tension.”