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SPIEGEL: And what do you think about direct talks with Iran?

Olmert: Any compromise that will lead to Iran being unable to create nuclear weapons is a step in the right direction. As long as the final result of talks with Iran is an end to their nuclear program, I am not against them.

SPIEGEL: But are you dissatisfied with the delays by the international community in taking action against Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

Olmert: I am not happy at all with the pace. I expect more dramatic steps to be taken. Here is a leader who openly says that his goal is to wipe Israel off the map. Israel is a member state of the United Nations. For someone in the year 2006 to be able to say that publicly is absolutely outrageous.

SPIEGEL: Do you rule out a military strike?

Olmert: I am talking about effective measures that will be accepted by the international community to stop the Iranian danger.

SPIEGEL: So you don't rule out a military strike.

Olmert: I don't rule out anything.

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