WORLD> Middle East
US to use all elements of its power to deal with Iran
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-04 15:20

WASHINGTON  -- The Obama administration views Iran's efforts to develop nuclear capability and to sponsor terrorism as "acute concern," and will use all elements of the national power to deal with Tehran, said the White House on Tuesday.

"Efforts to develop missile delivery capability, efforts that continue on an illicit nuclear program, or threats that Iran makes toward Israel, and its sponsorship of terror are of acute concern to this administration," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters at the daily press briefing.

Earlier on Tuesday, Tehran announced the Omid lightweight telecommunications satellite, its first home-made satellite, has been successfully sent into space by the Iranian-produced satellite carrier Safir 2.

"This action does not convince us that Iran is acting responsibly to advance stability or security in the region," Gibbs said, when asked if the launch would thwart President Barack Obama's efforts to engagement with Iran.

"All of this continues to underscore that our administration will use all elements of our national power to deal with Iran and to help it be a responsible member of the international community," said the spokesman.

"The president is clear that he wants Iran to be a responsible member of the world community," added Gibbs.

In a recent interview with Dubai-based Al-Arabiya television, Obama said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us."