warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Obama Urges For Diplomacy With Iran At Israel Conference

Dan Watson |
March 4, 2012 | 2:36 p.m. PST

Editor-in-Chief

Netanyahu (Creative Commons)
Netanyahu (Creative Commons)

Trying to answer critics who have criticized him for taking a weak stance on Iran, President Obama said he would act militarily, if necessary, against the country but urged diplomacy at a American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference.

"Already, there is too much loose talk of war," Obama said. "For the sake of Israel's security, America's security, and the peace and security of the world, now is not the time for bluster."

Obama assured the pro-Israel lobbying group that the U.S. would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. However, a United States or Israeli military strike would only delay an Iranian nuclear program, he said.

The speech comes on the heels of an important Monday meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

That meeting, some say, could be quite tense. According to CBS:

"There is a disagreement between the United States and Israel over how long it is possible to wait before sending warplanes to try to cripple Iran's nuclear program. Israel has the military capabilities to carry out the mission but it would be very difficult and might not accomplish the goal.

"American forces are much better equipped to do enough damage to Iranian nuclear sites. But U.S. officials reportedly believe they can wait longer until Iran's intentions are completely clear."

According to Haaretz, an Israeli news source:

"For everyone else, including those people who have legitimate gripes about the president’s policy, Obama’s speech was as solid and supportive as could be expected from any US president."

Shortly after Obama's speech, presidential hopeful Mitt Romney told a Georgia pancake breakfast crowd that Obama had failed the American people, and accused the president of doing little address Iran's nuclear threat.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the speech, despite prompting numerous standing ovations, received mixed reviews from those in attendance, some hoping for a stronger stance on Iran.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.