Iran nuclear: Biden touts "other options" if diplomacy fails

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Joe Biden has said that if diplomacy does not resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis, America "is ready to turn to other options", the BBC reports

He was speaking in Washington after the first face-to-face talks with Israel's new prime minister, Naftali Bennett. Bennett praised the president's stance, and his vow to never let Iran acquire nuclear weapons.

Iran considers Israel its arch-foe and lsrael views its nuclear ambitions as an existential threat. Iran says its program is entirely peaceful but Western powers and the UN's nuclear agency say they are not convinced.

Following 50 minutes of talks at the White House, Biden told reporters the U.S. was willing to take unspecified measures if negotiations with Iran do not get results.

"We're putting diplomacy first and see where that takes us. But if diplomacy fails, we're ready to turn to other options," he said.

In response, Bennett reiterated the point. "I was happy to hear your clear words that Iran will never be able to acquire a nuclear weapon," he said, "and that you emphasise that you will try the diplomatic route, but there's other options if that doesn't work out."