All options open on Iran, says Bush

WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush has said ‘all options are on the table’ to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, repeating his desire to ‘work diplomatically to get this problem solved.’

President Bush said at the White House on Tuesday that his country would continue to work closely with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, and he intends to raise the issue with the visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday.

“We want to solve this issue diplomatically and we're working hard to do so,” the President said, adding the best way to achieve the solution requires “a united effort with the countries which recognise the danger of Iran having a nuclear weapon”.

Bush also called on Israel and Palestine to show restraint following the deadly April 17 terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, saying “they must be mindful of whatever actions they take and be mindful of the consequences.”
 
“I strongly deplore the loss of innocent life in the attack on the folks in Israel. It is unjustified and it is unnecessary,” he said.

The President called on “those who love peace in the Palestinian territories” to “stand up and reject this kind of violence.”