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Netanyahu attacks EU's top diplomat over Iran visit

After high-profile arms seizure, Israeli Prime Minister criticises Baroness Ashton for visit to Iran

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has attacked Baroness Ashton, the European Union's top diplomat, for her visit to Iran following the seizure of an Iranian arms ship loaded with weapons apparently bound for the Gaza Strip.

Mr Netanyahu said: "I would like to ask her if she asked her Iranian hosts about this shipment of weapons for terrorist organisations, and if not, why not."

Baroness Ashton's visit was aimed at building goodwill ahead of further talks between Iran and six world powers over the country's nuclear programme. Prime Minister Netanyahu fiercely opposes the deal.

"I think that it would be proper for the international community to give its opinion regarding Iran's true policy, not its propaganda," said Mr Netanyahu.

"Nobody has the right to ignore the true and murderous actions of the regime in Tehran."

The Israeli Prime Minister's statements come as his government is about to reveal to diplomats and the world's media the extent of the Iranian arms seizure, which included M302 rockets which can reach any location in Israel from Gaza.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif denied any knowledge of the ship captured by Israeli authorities. In response, Mr Netanyahu dismissed the remarks as "brazen lying".

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