Top Republican lawmaker doubts Iran deal, warns Israel may act

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Jim Risch says he's “not particularly optimistic” about reaching a deal with Iran, warning that Israel could take matters into its own hands if diplomacy fails.

“If Iran does not agree to a deal, Israel is going to do something about that,” Jewish Insider quoted Senator Jim Risch as saying on Wednesday during remarks at the Hudson Institute think tank.

Risch said he has had several conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who told him, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.”

“I believe him, and I think that’s a case for the United States to be in the exact same position,” he added.

Risch also called for increased sanctions on both Iran and those purchasing its oil.