"U.S. Minimizes German Differences on Iran"

[GreenPartyVoter]

WASHINGTON (AP) - In an attempt to overcome new differences with Germany, the Bush administration is renewing its support for a European-led diplomatic resolution of Iran's nuclear programs and playing down a statement by President Bush that U.S. military action is an option.

At the same time, while casting what Bush said last week as historically routine, the State Department on Monday appeared to be minimizing the president's assurance to Israel, which considers Iran the gravest threat to its security.

Bush's statement on Israeli TV on Friday that "all options are on the table" in the confrontation with Iran appeared designed to calm Israel as it prepared to yield Gaza with its Iranian-backed Hamas militia to the Palestinians.

But the president's statement evoked a warning Saturday by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder that using military force against Iran would not be "suitable."

http://apnews1.iwon.com/article/20050816/D8C0LI4G0.html