JERUSALEM (JTA) — U.S. Sen. John Kerry told Israeli President Shimon Peres that there is "no doubt" about President Obama’s commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Kerry (D-Mass.), the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, met Tuesday morning in Jerusalem with Peres. Kerry is on an official visit to the Middle East.
"If I can just say to you and to the people of Israel: I hope there is no doubt about President Obama’s seriousness and commitment that Iran should not have and cannot have a nuclear weapon," Kerry said during the meeting, according to Peres’ office. "The president has made it clear that he is not talking about containment, he is talking about prevention."
Peres replied that he has complete confidence in Obama and his commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Israeli leader suggested during their discussion that neither Israel nor the Palestinians can afford to wait until after the U.S. elections in November to make advances toward peace.
"The following months are critical," he said, "and we must navigate through this period with care and wisdom."
Kerry congratulated Peres on being named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among the highest honors presented by the United States.
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