Reuters: President George W. Bush said on Wednesday Iran with a nuclear weapon would be a “very destabilizing” force
and that it was important for the world to speak with one voice against Tehran’s program. “The Iranians just need to know
that the free world is working together to send a very clear message: Don’t develop a nuclear weapon,” Bush said. Reuters
WASHINGTON – President George W. Bush said on Wednesday Iran with a nuclear weapon would be a “very destabilizing” force and that it was important for the world to speak with one voice against Tehran’s program.
“The Iranians just need to know that the free world is working together to send a very clear message: Don’t develop a nuclear weapon,” Bush said.
“And the reason we’re sending that message is because Iran with a nuclear weapon would be a very destabilizing force in the world,” he said during a meeting with Poland’s president.
Bush said he looked forward to discussing concerns about Iran with European allies. “It’s important we speak with one voice,” he said.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has raised U.S. concerns about Iran during her trip to Europe. “I’m very pleased with the response that European leaders have given to Dr. Rice on this issue,” Bush said.
U.S. officials, including Rice and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, have said the United States was pursuing a diplomatic solution for its concerns about Iran, and not a military one. Rumsfeld has said Iran was still years away from having a nuclear weapon.
Rice said on Wednesday a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program was “in our grasp” if Europe sent the same tough message as the United States, threatening U.N. sanctions.
