Israeli President Shimon Peres on Tuesday slammed Iran for trying to "control the region" and called on the rest the world to prevent the Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Xinhua reported.
Addressing Iran's nuclear program at the Herzliya Conference, Peres called the Iranian government "the most morally corrupt" in the world and believed Tehran's pursuit of nuclear weapons was the world's current most critical issue, the Ha'aretz daily reported.
"It is the duty of the international community to prevent evil and nuclear (weapons) from coming together. That is the obligations of most of the leaders of the free world, one which they must meet," Peres said.
Peres also said he did not discard the option of an Israeli military strike to thwart Iran's nuclear plans.
"No option should be ruled out in our dealing with the Iranian danger. This is an existential threat, and the Iranian leadership offers no future, only destruction," he told the audience.
Regarding the stalled peace talks with the Palestinians, Peres lauded Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad as peace partners.
"Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad are worthy partners who do not wish to see the conflict go further."
However, Peres also warned Abbas against the dangers of allowing Hamas gain more power within the Palestinian leadership, something he said would further stall the peace process.
The annual Herzliya Conference draws national and international political, business and academic figures to put their heads together to address regional issues.