Israeli, US army chiefs hold secret talks on Iran

Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi and his American counterpart Admiral Mike Mullen have held secret talks in France with a special focus on Iran.

The two officials, who met in the northern French region of Normandy on Sunday, also discussed the Middle East, reports say.

Ashkenazi also discussed the developments in Iran with French Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Jean-Louis Georgelin.

The meeting comes ahead of the US and Israel's largest military drill, which is scheduled for later this month. The maneuver is planned to simulate missile strikes on Israel.

For years, Israel has threatened to bomb Iran's nuclear installations.

Dodging scrutiny over its own arsenal of up to 200 nuclear weapons, Israel accuses Iran of refining uranium for military purposes.

Iran, however, continues to dismiss the allegation, saying its nuclear activities are solely aimed at peaceful application of the technology.

Tehran says its nuclear program is aimed at generating electricity, under close monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran has vowed a 'firm response' to any military action by foreign invaders, while downplaying the threat of any attack on the country by Israel.

"Talk of an Israeli attack on Iran is merely a ploy," Iran's Armed Forces Joint Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi had said in September.