Clinton warns Iran to choose fate wisely

WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a warning to Iran, telling the volatile country it has a choice between international acceptance or isolation.

During remarks delivered Wednesday at the Council on Foreign Relations, Clinton said neither she nor President Barack Obama held any illusions that dialogue with Iran would guarantee success and "prospects have certainly shifted" in the violent weeks that followed Iran's presidential elections.

"But we also understand the importance of offering to engage Iran and giving its leaders a clear choice: whether to join the international community as a responsible member or to continue down a path to further isolation," she said.

Iran has the right to civil nuclear power if it can restore international confidence that it will use its programs solely for peaceful purposes, she said.

"Iran does not have a right to nuclear military capacity," she said, "and we're determined to prevent that."

The Middle Eastern country could be a "constructive actor" in the region if it stops menacing its neighbors and supporting terrorism, and starts fulfilling its obligation on human rights, Clinton said.

"The choice is clear," she said. "We remain ready to engage with Iran, but the time for action is now. The opportunity will not remain open indefinitely."

In her first speech since being sidelined by an elbow injury in June, Clinton addressed those who have criticized the administration for its willingness to open diplomatic channels with adversaries.

"Our willingness to talk is not a sign of weakness to be exploited," Clinton said. "We will not hesitate to defend our friends, our interests, and above all, our people vigorously and when necessary with the world's strongest military. This is not an option we seek nor is it a threat; it is a promise to all Americans."