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Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney
Photo: (EPA)

US: There's still time for diplomacy with Iran

As debate over possible strike on Tehran's nuclear facilities intensifies, White House says Washington believes diplomacy, sanctions still relevant; Israel, US share 'great deal of information' on Iran

WASHINGTON – Amidst the Israeli discussions about the possibility of a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Monday that the Obama administration, "Continues to believe that there is time and space for diplomacy" vis-à-vis Iran.

 

Carney pointed out that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said recently that he has yet to decide on the matter.  

 

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Carney, who spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One, en route to a 2012 election event in Iowa, stressed that President Obama's policy is "to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," but he added that, "The opportunity remains for Iran to take advantage of (the diplomatic) process by taking the necessary steps to come into compliance with its international obligations."

 

"We regret that Iran has not yet made a strategic decision to address the international community's serious concerns regarding its nuclear program," said Carney and added that the US and its partners are working to increase the pressure on the Islamic Republic, while clarifying that the pressure will mount until the country changes its course.

 

Carney tried to further calm down top Israeli officials by stressing that the US is increasing its pressure on Iran every week via "sanctions and other means" which he declined to elaborate on.

 

He also praised the ongoing cooperation with Israel on security matters. "We share a great deal of information, and especially about Iran," He said.

 

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.14.12, 00:37
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