U.S. can't even think of a nuclear armed Iran: Gates

Washington, June 21(ANI): U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said that the Obama administration's efforts are aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.I don't think we're prepared to even talk about containing a nuclear Iran. I think... our view still is we do not accept the idea of Iran having nuclear weapons," Fox News quoted Gates, as saying.

"Our policies and our efforts are all aimed at preventing that from happening," he added.

When asked if a military strike against Iran was preferable to it acquiring nuclear weapons, Gates said all options remained on the table, but stressed: "I think we have some time to continue working this problem."

He further said that targeted economic pressures have real potential to add to the difficulties for the Iranian government, which is growing increasingly isolated.

"Stepped up economic and diplomatic pressure had a reasonable chance of getting the Iranian regime finally to come to their senses and realize their security is probably more endangered by going forward," Gates said.

"Actually, what we've seen is a change in the nature of the regime in Tehran over the past 18 months or so. You have a much narrower based government in Tehran now. Many of the religious figures are being set aside," he added. (ANI)