Israeli attack on Iran over nuclear activities 'an option', says Gantz

Israel may consider attacking Iran over its nuclear activities, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz said on Thursday.

Israel has been accused of launching several attacks against Iranian nuclear sites in the past.

His remarks come as negotiations between the Islamic Republic, the UK, France, China and other global players on returning to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal resumed in Austria's capital, Vienna, on Monday. It follows a months-long hiatus.

"I do think we always have to prepare the option for the moment when we may find ourselves alone," Blue and White party leader Gantz told Israel's Yediot Ahronoth newspaper.

"I say again, an attack [against Iran] is an option. It doesn't have to be the first one."

Gantz expressed his belief "the US as a world leader will stand behind its promise and responsibility".

Tel Aviv wants to buy $1.56 billion in weapons to ready itself for the potential escalation against Tehran, according to the report.

Among the items to be bought is ammunition for Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and accurate ammo for its airforce.

Israel's defence minister is set to travel to the US next week for talks on the latest news regarding Iran's nuclear activities.