Peres has fighting words for Iran

jerusalem (jps) | Vice Premier Shimon Peres went on the offensive this week, remarking that "the president of Iran should remember that [they] can also be wiped off the map."

Peres told Reuters: "Teheran is making a mockery of the international community's efforts to solve the crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear program."

Peres's vehement expressions came the same day that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote to President Bush proposing "new solutions" to their differences in the first letter from an Iranian leader to an American president in 27 years.

In the letter, Ahmadinejad proposes "new solutions for getting out of international problems and current fragile situation of the world," an Iranian spokesman said.

Peres did not say who should act against Iran if it continues with its nuclear program, but implied military action should be led by the United States, pointing to the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Israeli officials have indicated that Israel would join any international operation against Iran.

Peres urged China and Russia to join Western efforts to impose sanctions on Iran. If all world powers are united against Iran, military action can be avoided, Peres said.

"We can prevent all of this threat, without weapons, if there will be unity," Peres said, adding that the Security Council had to act on the matter. "If the crucial moment comes and they are incapable of taking [action] or making a policy ... then they endanger their existence as an important world body."