President Obama told an AIPAC crowd Sunday that there is “too much loose talk of war” with Iran, and that that kind of “bluster” will not advance Israel’s or America’s security interests.
An excerpt from his speech:
Moving forward, I would ask that we all remember the weightiness of these issues; the stakes involved for Israel, for America, and for the world. Already there is too much loose talk of war. Over the last few weeks, such talk has only benefited the Iranian government, by driving up the price of oil, which they depend upon to fund their nuclear program. 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; now is the time to let our increased pressure sink in, and to sustain the broad international coalition that we have built. Now is the time to heed that timeless advice from Teddy Roosevelt: speak softly, but carry a big stick. As we do, rest assured that the Iranian government will know our resolve, and that our coordination with Israel will continue.
Obama said all options remain on the table, including military force, but the priority should be a diplomatic and economic effort to isolate Iran, monitor its nuclear program, and impose sanctions to prevent the nation from building a weapon.
