Sneh made the call as the United Nations are poised to discuss a resolution on sanctions against Iran later on Friday, reported Israel Radio.

Time for Israel and the rest of the world to decide what to do about Iran's pursuit of nuclear power is approaching, Sneh was quoted as saying, adding only serious sanctions would "make the Iranian regime feel painful" and preclude the necessity for a military assault.

"There will be no need to weigh other options," he stressed.

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Friday on a sanction resolution against Iran, which has been revised in response to Russian objections.

The latest draft includes a ban on imports and exports of dangerous materials and technology relating to uranium enrichment, reprocessing and heavy-water reactors, as well as ballistic missile delivery systems.

The proposed sanctions would also include freezing the assets of a list of companies and individuals involved in the country's nuclear and missile programs.

The draft demands Tehran end all uranium enrichment work, which can produce fuel for nuclear power plants as well as for bombs, and halt research and development that could lead to atomic weapons.

Iran has vowed to continue its nuclear program despite the resolution, calling its nuclear program a peaceful effort to develop energy.