The Obama administration is renewing its threats of military force against Iran ahead of President Obama’s visit to Israel later this month. Speaking at the annual gathering of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington, Vice President Joe Biden repeated the administration’s openness to attacking Iran if it fails to meet international demands on its nuclear activities. Biden’s comments were echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “From the bottom of my heart, and with the clarity of my brain, words alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions must be coupled with a clear and credible military threat if diplomacy and sanctions fail.”

Vice President Joe Biden: “We are not looking for war. We are looking to and ready to — ready to negotiate peacefully. But all options, including military force, are on the table. But as I made clear at the Munich security conference just last month, our strong preference, the world’s preference, is for a diplomatic solution. So while that window is closing, we believe there is still time and space to achieve the outcome.”