An Israeli minister has threatened Iran with destroying the country if the Islamic Republic launches 'an attack on the regime'.

"An Iranian attack against Israel would trigger a tough reaction that would lead to the destruction of the Iranian nation," National Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer said, AFP reported Monday.

The minister, a member of prime minister Ehud Olmert's security cabinet, stressed however that Iran was unlikely to attack as "they understand the meaning of such an act."

The threats come amid speculations that the Israeli regime is preparing for another war in the Middle East.

Israel has taken steps to isolate Iran in the international community alleging that the country has threatened it with annihilation, after the Iranian President called for the ouster of the regime.

SB/RE