Voicing serious concern over the reported move, India emphasised that there was no military solution to the controversy over Iran's nuclear programme and asked all countries involved to exercise restraint.
"India is gravely concerned at these statements threatening the use of military force against Iran," external affairs ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said while commenting on reports that US President George Bush has given Israel a go-ahead to begin preparations for an attack on Iran if talks over Tehran's nuclear programme fail to yield results.
"India is against any such military attack, which constitutes unacceptable international behaviour," Sarna said.
Underlining that there was "no military solution to the issues that are being discussed" between Iran and the world community, Sarna said India continues to "support negotiations and diplomacy, rather than the threat or use of force".
The US is said to have informed Jerusalem that Bush would back an Israeli plan to strike Iran's main nuclear sites with long-range aerial weapons if diplomatic talks over Tehran's nuclear programme broke down, a British newspaper reported on Sunday
The MEA spokesman said, "A military strike on Iran would have disastrous consequences for the entire region, affecting the lives and livelihood of five million Indians resident in the Gulf and the world economy."Sarna said India calls upon all governments concerned to exercise restraint and choose the peaceful path of persuasion and negotiations."
The news report said the American President has given Israel an amber light to start preparing for a possible offensive.
"Amber means get on with your preparations, stand by for immediate attack and tell us when you're ready," the Pentagon official as quoted as telling The Times.
The US president's voice of support comes despite his military officials' opposition to an attack on Iran, given the risks of an aerial strike. However, the US would not deploy American forces for such a strike nor would Israel be able to depend on US military bases in Iraq for logistical support, the official said.
Washington would also not give a "green light" to the attack without unquestionable proof that the Islamic Republic is involved in military preparations of its own, the report said.
Iran last week test launched a series of medium-range ballistic missiles it claimed were capable of striking Israel. The tests prompted a threatening message from Israel Defence Minister Ehud Barak, who said that the Jewish state will not hesitate from taking military action against Tehran.
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