Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel took a firm stand to Israeli leaders on Friday, pledging that the United States would do whatever it take to keep at bay the Jewish nation’s biggest threat — an Iran that has nuclear capabilities.
He made the vow during public remarks in Jerusalem, standing next to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I want to assure you of the United States’ commitment to ensuring Iran does not get a nuclear weapon and that America will do what we must to live up to that commitment,” Mr. Hagel said, The Associated Press reported.
The main topic of their discussion was Iran — and whether Iran was trying to deceive the world by saying that its nuclear program was for peaceable purposes only, to bolster energy sources.
“We’ve been saying all along that Iran is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the international community,” Mr. Netanyahu said, AP reported. “I think [what’s needed is] a very clear and firm policy on the part of world powers” to be aware of Iran’s goals and stop them.
Mr. Netanyahu added, AP reported: “We must not let the ayatollahs win, we mustn’t let the foremost terrorist state of our time, Iran, develop the capability to produce nuclear weapons.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.