Mr Dagan told CBS he believed there was “more time” to try other options of engagement with Iran, instead of military action.

“It’s our duty to help anyone who likes to present an open opposition against their regime in Iran,” he said, according to text excerpts of the interview which CBS released ahead of its full broadcast Sunday…

“The Iranian regime is maybe not exactly rational, based on what I call Western thinking, but no doubt they are considering all the implications of their actions,” Mr Dagan told CBS. “I think the Iranians at this point in time are … very careful on the (nuclear) project.”