Jerusalem  - Israeli President Shimon Peres said Thursday there was no military solution to Iran's nuclear programme.

"All this talk of an Israeli attack in Iran is incorrect," a statement from his office quoted Peres as telling US special envoy George Mitchell.

"The solution," he said, "is not military."

Speculation has been rife that the new Israeli government of hardline Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which took office late last month, will attack Iran to stop its alleged efforts to create an atom bomb. Israel regards a nuclear Iran as an "existential" threat which would upset the balance of powers in the region.

Peres, whose tasks as president are largely ceremonial, is not a member of the Netanyahu government, but is regarded as having inside knowledge on top Israeli security issues. He is also considered the father of Israel's own nuclear programme.

A dialogue with Iran, he said, was "our joint interest" because it would help expose Tehran's intentions, whether it was open to opportunity, or whether "Iran is bluffing." (dpa)