Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on Friday warned the nation's diplomats of the possibility of a nuclear war.  It was his fifth public appearance in 10 days.

Castro visited the Foreign Ministry in Havana and predicted that a nuclear war was at hand if the United States and Israel continue to push for sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programs.

He also predicted that the United States would attack North Korea.

The former president took questions for more than 90 minutes from the ambassador corps.  

Castro disappeared from public view following emergency intestinal surgery in July 2006 and ceded power to his younger brother, now President Raul Castro.

It is unclear why the man who ruled Cuba for 49 years after taking power in a 1959 revolution has returned to public view.

Castro's other recent appearances include a meeting with workers at a science think tank and taking in a dolphin show at the national aquarium.