Iran nuclear deal does not 'prevent military option', says US Published duration 20 July 2015 Related Topics Iran nuclear deal

image copyright EPA image caption Mr Carter, on the far right, has arrived in Israel seeking to allay concerns over the Iranian nuclear deal

Military action could still be used to prevent Iran developing a nuclear bomb, despite the agreement struck this week, the US defence secretary has said.

Ashton Carter made the comments en route to Israel, the first leg of a tour of the Middle East.

He is seeking to ease concerns of a key ally who has been one of the most vocal critics of the nuclear deal

But Mr Carter admitted he was "not going to change anybody's mind in Israel".

Instead, he sought to stress that the US' willingness to protect Israel was undiminished.

"One of the reasons why this deal is a good one is that it does nothing to prevent the military option," Mr Carter told reporters.

'Compensation' dismissed

"This is a good deal," he added. "It removes a critical element of danger, threat and uncertainty from the region."

Under the deal between Iran and six world powers, Iran must curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the agreement an "historic mistake" that clears the way for Iran to make nuclear weapons.

image copyright AFP image caption Mr Carter is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposes the nuclear deal

In an interview on Sunday, Mr Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that the US could boost military aid to Israel following the accord, saying that would imply it agreed with the deal.

"I guess the question you have to ask yourself is, if this deal is supposed to make Israel and our Arab neighbours safer, why should we be compensated with anything?'' he told ABC.

Mr Carter arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday. He is due to meet his Israeli counterpart Moshe Yaalon on Monday before holding talks with Mr Netanyahu on Tuesday.