U.S. Eyes German Differences Over Iran [View All]

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/n/a/2005/08/15/national/w124324D41.DTL&type=printable

U.S. Eyes German Differences Over Iran

In an attempt to overcome new differences with Germany, the Bush administration is renewing its support for a European-led diplomatic resolution of Iran's nuclear programs and playing down a statement by President Bush that U.S. military action is an option.

At the same time, while casting what Bush said last week as historically routine, the State Department on Monday appeared to be minimizing the president's assurance to Israel, which considers Iran the gravest threat to its security.

Bush's statement on Israeli TV on Friday that "all options are on the table" in the confrontation with Iran appeared designed to calm Israel as it prepared to yield Gaza with its Iranian-backed Hamas militia to the Palestinians.

....

As for Bush's statement, McCormack said it was one that "any president would say" — not taking the option of force off the table.