If Iran builds bomb, US has a year to act: Panetta

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States would have about a year to take action if Iran decided to build a nuclear weapon, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said on Tuesday, despite urgent warnings from Israel that time is running out to prevent Tehran from getting the bomb.

The Pentagon chief told CBS This Morning that it would take Iran some time to construct a nuclear device once the Tehran leadership chose to go ahead.

"It's going to take them a while once they make the decision to do it," he said.

Asked how much time it would take, Mr Panetta replied: "It's roughly about a year right now. A little more than a year.