Iran calls Bibi a ‘ liar’ over secret N- weapons charge

■ Iran hits back, brands Israeli PM an ‘ infamous liar’

Jerusalem, May 1: A day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave an elaborate presentation on Israeli television, complete with slides, video and props, about Iran’s plan to pursue a nuclear weapons program despite the 2015 deal with the international community, Iran called Mr Netanyahu a “liar” for showing files about a nuclear weapons project that was mothballed 15 years ago.

The IAEA, the United Nations atomic watchdog, said it would evaluate any new relevant information, but cited its assessment from three years ago that it had no “credible indications” of an Iranian nuclear weapons pursuit after 2009.

Mr Netanyahu’s theatrical presentation of “proof” that Iranian officials were “brazenly lying” about not pursuing nuclear weapons, came ahead of a crucial decision by US President Donald Trump by May 12 on whether to withdraw from the nuclear agreement between world powers and Iran.

Jerusalem/ Tehran May 1: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had new “proof” of an Iranian nuclear weapons plan that could be activated at any time, as the US considered whether to pull out of the atomic accord with Tehran.

The documents released by Israel on Monday were “authentic,” according to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, until last week director of the CIA.

As he returned from a trip to meet Netanyahu, Pompeo said much of the information they contained was new to American experts.

In an elaborate televised presentation that included props, video and slides, Netanyahu accused Iran of lying about its nuclear ambitions, but he did not provide evidence that Israel's main enemy had actively worked to obtain an atomic weapon since the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six world powers.

Iran has always denied it sought a nuclear weapon, insisting its atomic programme was for civilian purposes.

Meanwhile, Iran on Tuesday branded Benjamin Netanyahu an “infamous liar” over his allegations of a secret Iranian nuclear weapons programme.

Foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi called the accusations that Tehran lied about its nuclear ambitions “worn- out, useless and shameful”.

Netanyahu's comments came from a “broke and infamous liar who has had nothing to offer except lies and deceits,” Ghasemi said in a statement.

“Netanyahu and the notorious, child- killing Zionist regime must have reached the basic understanding that the people of the world have enough awareness and cognisance,” he added.

FRANCE, ON Tuesday, said that new claims about Iran’s nuclear programme by Netanyahu reinforced the importance of a 2015 deal that imposes controls on the Islamic republic.