WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he prefers to use diplomacy to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, but he also makes it clear that he won't "hesitate to use force" when necessary to defend the United States and its interests.
Obama also said in a speech to the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) today that "there is too much loose talk of war" these days amid concern about a possible pre-emptive Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
The president made the remarks at AIPAC's annual policy conference in Washinton. The address comes one day before a White House meeting with Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
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