United Press International
Speaking before the American Israel Public Affairs Committee policy conference in Washington, both Clinton and Obama faulted Iran's push to obtain nuclear technology and hostility toward Israel.
"Iran is a country whose leaders, whose president denies the Holocaust. He defies the international community. His government trains, funds and arms Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists in attacking Israeli civilians. He threatens to destroy Israel. Just this week, he said that Israel is about to die and will soon be erased," Clinton, D-N.Y., said.
"We can never let Iran obtain nuclear weapons. The next president will have to deal with the Iranian challenge from day one. This is not just in Israel's interests; it is in America's interests and the world's interests. And this is a threat that I take very seriously."
Obama, who claimed the Democratic nomination Tuesday night, said there is no greater threat to Israel and the entire Middle East than Iran.
"The Iranian regime supports violent extremists and challenges us across the region. It pursues a nuclear capability that could spark a dangerous arms race, and raise the prospect of a transfer of nuclear know-how to terrorists. Its president denies the Holocaust and threatens to wipe Israel off the map," Obama said. "The danger from Iran is grave, it is real, and my goal will be to eliminate this threat."
