Netanyahu defends nuclear strikes

(RT) ⸻ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that the option of attacking an Iranian nuclear facility in "self-defense" must be left on the table, arguing that the chief of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made an "unworthy" statement when he declared that any such strikes are banned. Netanyahu's remarks come a day after IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi was asked by a reporter about US and Israeli threats to attack Iran if it doesn't agree to curb its nuclear program. Grossi's trip to Tehran apparently paid dividends, as Iranian officials agreed to restore the UN watchdog's access to some surveillance tools at the country's nuclear facilities. The IAEA also was granted an increase in inspections at the Fordo nuclear site, as well as additional verification and monitoring activities. Iran has denied having any ambition to acquire nuclear weapons.