During her recent visit to Israel, US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the US will
"use all elements of American power" to prevent Iran developing a
nuclear weapon. She noted that so far the proposals made by the Islamic Republic
to resolve the situation were "non-starters".
Speaking about a number of issues, Clinton said the US was
working hard on a new resolution "with consequences" regarding Syria.
She also added that she had discussed Egypt with Israel's leaders and said the
nations' peace treaty should be honoured.
Addressing a press conference, following a meeting with
Israel's President Shimon Peres and Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, Clinton said a diplomatic resolution to
Iran's nuclear issue would be preferable.
She explained: “The amount of work [for Egypt's leaders]
would be daunting for the most experienced political leaders…Iran's leaders
still have the opportunity to make the right decision. The choice is ultimately
Iran's." Clinton, however, added: "We will use all elements of American
power to prevent Iran developing a nuclear weapon."
The latest talks between Iran and six other world powers ended
without a resolution. The so-called "P5+1" group - consisting of the
permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany - want
Tehran to suspend the enrichment of uranium to a level of 20%, close down an
underground enrichment facility and export its stockpile of 20% enriched
uranium.
Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is designed for
peaceful purposes only and insists that the West lifts its sanctions, which
restrict the country's economic activity.
Speaking about the situation in Syria, Clinton said the US was
working hard on a new UN resolution. She also once again called for Syria's
President Bashar al-Assad to go, saying "the regime cannot
survive".
Clinton made a trip to Egypt ahead of her visit to Israel.
Speaking about the situation between the two countries, she said both regional
nations shared a strong interest and commitment to their peace agreement.
Sources: BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg
For more news and expert analysis about Iran, please see Iran Strategic Focus.
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