Rogozin said in an interview with Russia's Izvestia daily newspaper published on Friday that the NATO was pursuing a long-reaching goal of preparing an attack on Iran, adding that the alliance intends to change governments whose views do not coincide with those of the West.

"The noose around Iran is tightening. Military planning against Iran is underway. And we are certainly concerned about an escalation of a large-scale war in this huge region," Rogozin added.

The Russian envoy further pointed out that Syria and later Yemen could be NATO's last steps on the way to launch an attack on Iran.

This comes as there are speculations that Israel is preparing for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities to divert attention from Palestinian efforts to join the United Nations.

Last month, former CIA agent Robert Baer said he is almost certain that such an attack has been scheduled for September ahead of a UN vote on recognizing a Palestinian state.

AR/HRF