New York, Nov. 17 : Israel believes there is a chance for dialogue with Iran if Barack Obama succeeds in uniting the international community behind a common policy.

Israeli President Shimon Peres was quoted by The Times as saying ahead of visit to London, that his country’s most implacable foe could be brought to the negotiating table depending on a new political climate and economic factors, in particular a falling oil price.

The veteran politician, who turned 85 this summer, also told The Times that he expected Israel to achieve peace with its Arab neighbours within his life time, and even predicted that he would one day visit Damascus and Riyadh.

His upbeat message will no doubt be dismissed by many in the Middle East as the musings of a lifelong optimist.

No recent Israeli leader has expressed any positive view of Iran, whose nuclear policy and support for militant groups is regarded as the major existential threat to the Jewish state. (ANI)