The United States will not tolerate Iran building nuclear weapons but favors diplomacy to resolve Iran's nuclear issue, U.S. President George W. Bush said at a press conference on Thursday.
"I have consistently stated that I am hopeful that we can convince the Iranian regime to give up any ambitions it has in developing a weapons program, and do so peacefully," Bush said.
Bush said the United States is working with allies and friends "to send a consistent message to the Iranians that there is a better way forward for them than isolation."
The United States has been working with other four permanent members of the UN Security Council on a third resolution on Iran's nuclear issue.
Washington has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied U.S. charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
