A deal between world powers and Iran is the only way to prevent Tehran from getting nuclear weapons, President Obama told an Israeli television station.
In the interview on Channel 2, which is slated to air Tuesday night in Israel, Obama reiterated his support for a nuclear deal with Iran over a military option. A preview of the interview ran on Monday.
“I can, I think, demonstrate, not based on any hope but on facts and evidence and analysis, that the best way to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon is a verifiable, tough agreement,” he said.
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“A military solution will not fix it. Even if the United States participates, it would temporarily slow down an Iranian nuclear program but it will not eliminate it,” Obama added.
When asked if he thinks Israel would strike Iran without informing the U.S. in advance, Obama said “I won’t speculate on that.”
“What I can say is, to the Israeli people: I understand your concerns and I understand your fears.”
The deadline for a finalized deal between Iran and the six world powers — the U.S., China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and Germany — is June 30.
(h/t the Times of Israel)
