Obama underlines talks as best way to prevent Iranian nuclear weapon

Negotiations with Iran are the best way to ensure that Tehran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, meaning now is not the time to institute additional sanctions, US President Barack Obama said Thursday, dpa reported.

"Let's test how willing they are to actually resolve this diplomatically and peacefully, Obama told a press conference, while stressing the military option remained on the table.

He said he would encourage the US Congress not to move forward with proposed additional sanctions upon Iran, but instead allow ongoing talks to play out. That would mean offering some sanctions relief in return for concessions, while leaving most existing sanctions in place.

"If we're serious about pursuing diplomacy, then there is no need for us to add new sanctions on top of the sanctions that are already very effective and that brought them to the table in the first place," he said. "Now, if it turns out they can't deliver - they can't come to the table in a serious way and get this issue resolved - the sanctions can be ramped back up."


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