Tensions spike as Iran warned of Israeli attack

US President Donald Trump said an Israeli attack on Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme is not imminent but 'could very well happen'

- Agencies

VIENNA/DUBAI: Tensions have ratcheted up in the Middle East after the UN nuclear watchdog declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations on Thursday and Tehran announced counter-measures, as an Iranian official said a "friendly country" had warned it of an Israeli attack.

Security concerns have risen since US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday American personnel were being moved out of the region because "it could be a dangerous place" and that Tehran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.

With Washington offering little explanation for its security concerns, some foreign diplomats suggested that the evacuation of personnel, and US officials anonymously raising the spectre of an Israeli attack on Iran, could be a ploy to ratchet up pressure on Tehran for concessions at the negotiating table.