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The first issue is tied to when Iran's Natanz nuclear facility produces enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon, ABC News reported. U.S. and Israeli intelligence reports indicate it likely will be in 2009 but could happen by the end of this year.

"The 'red line' is not when they get to that point but before they get to that point", a defense official told ABC. "We are in the window of vulnerability."

The second is linked to when Iran acquires the SA-29 air defense system it is buying from Russia. Pentagon officials told ABC Israel may want to strike before the system is in place.

Pentagon officials said they think an Israeli attack would cause a temporary setback to Iran's nuclear program while creating major problems in the region and beyond, prompting retaliatory attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and elsewhere.

"We'd be guilty by association", a senior Defense Department official said.

Some Pentagon officials said Israel may attack Iran before the January swearing-in of a new U.S. president.

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