Iranian nukes a threat to US, Israel and world: Obama

US President Barack Obama said that his administration would take all possible steps to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons and destabilises the entire world.

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said that his administration would take all possible steps to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons and destabilises the entire world.

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Obama, after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Oval Office, said that with nuclear weapons, Iran would pose a threat to the security of the US and Israel.

"I assured the Prime Minister (Netanyahu) that we are not foreclosing a range of steps, including much stronger international sanctions, in assuring that Iran understands we are serious," Obama said.

Even as his administration is trying its best to engage Iran in a dialogue and persuade it not to go for nuclear weapons, Obama said he is not closing down any option, as the Israeli Prime Minister expressed concern over the threats coming from Iranian leaders against Israel.

"The worst danger we face is that Iran would develop nuclear military capabilities. Iran openly calls for our destruction, which is unacceptable by any standard. It threatens the moderate Arab regimes in the Middle East. It threatens US interests worldwide," Netanyahu said.

"If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it could give a nuclear umbrella to terrorists, or worse, it could actually give terrorists nuclear weapons. And that would put us all in great peril," he said.