US envoy to Israel: US ready to strike Iran
Washington's envoy to Israel says the U.S. has plans in place to attack Tehran if necessary to prevent it from becoming an atomic military power, Washington's envoy to Israel said.
In remarks before the Israel Bar Association, Dan Shapiro said the U.S. hopes diplomacy and economic sanctions will pressure Iran to abandon its suspect nuclear program.
He says the U.S. prefers not to resort to military force "but that doesn't mean that option is not fully available. Not just available, but it's ready. The necessary planning has been done to ensure that it's ready."
In his speech, Shapiro acknowledged the clock is ticking.
"We do believe there is time. Some time, not an unlimited amount of time," Shapiro said. "But at a certain point, we may have to make a judgment that the diplomacy will not work."
World powers - US, UK, China, Russia, and France - are gearing up for a new round of nuclear talks with Iran in Baghdad on May 23. Iran denies it is building bombs. Shortly after the meeting, the U.N. atomic agency is to release its latest report card on Iran's nuclear efforts.
