“If this is an air operation, using missiles and aviation, most members of the military agree that it will not inflict damage preventing nuclear weapons from being built,” Primakov told a press conference dedicated to the presentation of his book on the Middle East.

Any attack is more likely to have the opposite effect on Iran, “which does not yet have a political decision on the creation of nuclear weapons.”

Primakov said all global intelligence services are coming to the conclusion that Iran does not have a nuclear weapon yet.

He said a ground operation against Iran would also be unthinkable.

“The United States has already withdrawn from Iraq and wants to withdraw from Afghanistan. Why? Have they solved all their issues there? Nothing of the kind. They are leaving because it is beyond their strength to stay,” Primakov said.

“Because they realize what they have done, and that the only way out is to leave the place as soon as possible. So what? Do they need another front that they will be hastily leaving later?” he said.

Primakov said much depends on the Islamic Republic, which will hold talks on the nuclear problem in April.

Western countries led by the United States suspect Iran of seeking to build nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists it needs nuclear power solely for civilian purposes.