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Obama: The US will not rule out force against Iran
The Israeli president, Shimon Peres, spoke before Obama and said that a nuclear Iran would be a menace to the world, not just to Israel’s security.
Peres, whose country sees its existence threatened by the potential development of nuclear arms, said: “Iran is an evil, cruel, morally corrupt regime. It is based on destruction and is an affront to human dignity.” He said Israel knows the horrors of war and does not seek one with Iran, “but if we are forced to fight, trust me. We shall prevail.”
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. U.S, Israel and many allies see no sign of that, and Israeli leaders openly have discussed the possibility of a military strike.
“Let’s begin with the truth that you all understand: No Israeli government can tolerate a nuclear weapon in the hands of a regime that denies that Holocaust, threatens to wipe Israel off the map and sponsors terrorist groups committed to Israel’s destruction,” Obama said.
Obama said he would use all sources of American power, but that only true resolution would come from diplomacy.
U.S. officials worry that an Israeli attack on oil-power Iran could drive up pump prices and entangle the U.S. in a new Mideast confrontation during this year’s presidential election season. They want to give diplomacy and economic penalties more time to work.
The United States and Europe have pursued more severe banking and other economic penalties separately. The toughest take effect this summer and target Iran’s oil business and powerful central bank.
“I firmly believe that an opportunity remains for diplomacy, backed by pressure — to succeed,” Obama insisted.
