Carney: 'Time and space' for Iran sanctions

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- White House spokesman Jay Carney said Friday there is still "time and space" for U.N. sanctions on Iran's nuclear program.

Asked about Israel's urgent assessment of Iran's nuclear ambitions, Carney said the White House and Israel are in agreement on the issue but Iran hasn't made a "breakout move" toward acquiring nuclear weapons.

"I can tell you, broadly, that we are very much in agreement about Iran's ambitions, Iran's program, and about Iran's failure, thus far, to live up to its international obligations -- which is why we have taken the lead in a broad international effort to impose upon Iran the stiffest, most severe sanctions ever imposed upon a country," Carney said.

"And that effort continues day-by-day and week-by-week as we pressure the regime into, hopefully, changing course, changing behavior, rejoining the community of nations, and abiding by its obligations under a variety of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"I would also say that we believe there continues to be the time and space to pursue this course. It is the best course of action to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. We take no options off the table and we consult with our allies all the time about the situation in Iran with regards to its program."

He said the United States has "visibility into the program," adding, "We would know if and when Iran made a -- what's called a 'breakout move' toward acquiring a weapon. So we have the capacity to judge that as the regime, the sanctions regime continues to be implemented."