Israel and US to conduct 'mock airstrikes' on Iran nuclear facilities

Israel's military will conduct an air drill over the Mediterranean Sea later this month that will simulate an attack on Iran, local media have reported. 

The war games, part of Israel's 'Chariots of Fire' exercise, will see Israel simulate repeated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, where the US and other countries believe Tehran could be developing a nuclear arsenal.

Iran denies that it is seeking nuclear weapons.

The mock strikes will begin on 29 May, the Times of Israel reported on Tuesday.

The US will also be participating in the drill, Israeli Channel 13 reported, with its aerial refueling aircraft flying alongside Israeli fighter jets.

Israel has been stepping up its preparations for an attack on Iran while talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal stall.

Talks have resumed following fears the process could collapse, but Israel said the drills were pre-planned, as part of its 2022 training schedule.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz claimed Tuesday that Iran could have the fissile material it needs for a bomb in a matter of weeks. The US gave a similar warning last month.