JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that U.S. statements of solidarity with Israel and its assurances that military strikes are still an option aren't working to convince Iran that the West is "serious about stopping" the Islamic republic from developing nuclear weapons.
Standing with the visiting U.S. defense secretary, Netanyahu dismissed Leon Panetta's counsel to give diplomacy more time to halt Iran's nuclear program.
"Right now the Iranian regime believes that the international community does not have the will to stop its nuclear program," Netanyahu said. "This must change, and it must change quickly."
Panetta told top Israeli officials repeatedly that "all options" -- including military force -- are possible. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy uses, but it is suspected of secretly developing nuclear weapons.