Obama ‘not bluffing’ on Iran, Biden says

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is “not bluffing” when he vows that he will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon, Vice President Joe Biden said Monday in a speech that put a heavy emphasis on winning consensus on that view from the rest of the world.

Speaking to supporters of Israel, Biden reiterated that “all options, including military force” are on the table as the U.S. works to prevent Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons.

“We are not looking for war,” Biden told the American Israel Public Affairs Committee at a policy conference.

It is “critically important for the whole world to know we did everything in our power … to avoid any confrontation,” he said.

Biden didn’t change the stated policy of the United States, or even the administration’s talking points, in his morning remarks.

But his comments come as Obama plans a trip to Israel this month meant to reaffirm his commitment to Israel.

Obama will be in Israel just before Passover and plans meetings both in Jerusalem and in Ramallah. He is expected to give one major address to the region.