Obama says no options off table on Iran

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Thursday that no options are off the table on Iran's nuclear program.

"No options off the table means I'm considering all options," the president told reporters at the White House.

In defense of his policy towards Iran, Obama said when he took office in 2009, the world was divided but Iran "was unified and moving aggressively on its own agenda."

In contrast, the Islamic republic is isolated today while the world is unified and "applying the toughest sanctions that Iran's ever experienced," he argued, adding the sanctions are having an impact inside the country.

He vowed to work with U.S. allies, including Israel, to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"If they are pursuing nuclear weapons, then I have said very clearly that is contrary to the national security interests of the United States, it is contrary to the national security interests of our allies, including Israel, and we are going to work with the world community to prevent that," he said.

He challenged Iran to act "responsibly" and foreswear the development of nuclear weapons, saying the move would still allow the country "to pursue peaceful nuclear power."

The UN Security Council imposed four rounds of sanctions on Iran between 2006 and 2010 as the country refused to halt its nuclear enrichment program, which Western countries suspect could be used to develop fuel for nuclear bombs.

Last month, the U.S., Britain and Canada expanded targeted sanctions on Iran, in response to a report released on Nov. 8 by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which outlined alleged clandestine activities towards making nuclear bombs.

On Wednesday, Republican presidential candidates accused Obama of being soft in his support for Israel, saying they would boost ties with Israel and stop Iran from developing nuclear bombs.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney even hinted at regime change in Iran as a last resort.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is only for peaceful purpose.

Source: XINHUA