Rice: US, Israel as one on Iran

2012-09-16 19:06

Washington - America's ambassador to the United Nations says there's "no daylight" between the United States and Israel when it comes to stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. But Susan Rice also says US-Israeli intelligence indicates that the two nations have "considerable time" before that happens.

Rice was responding to a steady drumbeat of warnings in recent days by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Iran is dangerously close to acquiring an atomic weapon.

Rice tells CNN's State of the Union that economic sanctions are working.

Tehran insists its programme is peaceful.

Rice says President Barack Obama has been clear that it stands with Israel and "will do what it takes" to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. But, she adds, "we are not at that stage yet."

- AP