The United States on Monday denied an allegation that it is giving Israel the green light to resort militarily against Iran.
"I certainly would not want to give a green light to any kind of military action," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said, referring to U.S. Vice President Joe Biden's remarks that Washington would not dictate how Israel deals with Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Kelly said that Israel is a "sovereign country," which has right to make its own decisions. "We're not going to dictate its actions. We're also committed to Israel's security. And we share Israel's deep concerns about Iran's nuclear program," the spokesman said.
During his visit to the United States in early June, Israel's Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel will keep all options against Iran's any potential threats or attacks.
"I repeat what I have always said, we are not taking any options off the table," Barack said.
Israel, which is believed to be the only Mideast country that has nuclear weapons, has repeatedly described Iran's uranium enrichment as a threat to its existence, and has vowed to take all possible measures to prevent Iran from making nuclear weapons.
Iran insists that its nuclear program is for civilian use only.
After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran cut all relations with Israel and withdraw its recognition of the Jewish state.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2009)
