Iranian fatwa approves use of nukes

Iran8217;s hard-line spiritual leaders have issued a fatwa or holy edict, sanctioning the use of atomic weapons as a 8220;countermeasure8221; against other nuclear powers. According to a cleric it is 8220;only natural8221; to have nuclear bombs as a 8220;countermeasure8221; against other nuclear powers, thought to be a reference to the US and Israel.

Iran also warned that any Israeli attack against it will provoke a 8220;swift response8221;, state-run television reported.

Intelligence Minister Gholam hossein Mohseni Ejehei said an Israeli attack would be 8220;stupidity.8221; In case the Zionist regime attacks Iran, it will get a swift response and will regret its action,8221; Ejehei said.

Israel has threatened to attack Iran8217;s nuclear facilities if negotiations fail to convince Iran to give up its uranium enrichment programme.