Sen. Edwards: Stopping nuclear Iran 'greatest challenge of our generation'

Iran's nuclear ambition represents the single greatest security threat not only to Israel but to the United States as well.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
john edwards 88 (photo credit: )
john edwards 88
(photo credit: )
United States democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards said that stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons "is the greatest challenge of our generation." At a time when most Democrats in the United States are calling for less military involvement abroad, Edwards, of South Carolina, told the Seventh Annual Herzliya Conference on Monday that his country must do everything that it can to stop Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. "All the options are on the table to ensure that Iran will never get a nuclear weapon," said Edwards, who is running for president for the second time. He also ran in the 2004 election both as a presidential and then as a vice presidential candidate. In speaking via satellite to the conference from the US, he said Iran's nuclear ambition represents the single greatest security threat not only to Israel but to the United States as well. He added that his country had abdicated its responsibility and had not done enough to stop Iran. Edwards also spoke of the threat Hamas posed to Israel and promised to work to help ensure that Israel's security needs were met. The relationship between Israel and the United States "is extraordinarily important and vital to the strength of both of our countries," said Edwards. "It is a bond that can never be broken," he added. He is not the only presidential candidate slated to address the conference. Republican hopeful Sen. John McCain is scheduled to address the conference via satellite on Tuesday, as will former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich has not formally announced his intentions, but it is expected that he is running. Republican candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is in Israel and will speak in person at the conference.