News

The U.S. has reassured Israel that the military option against Iran remains on the table despite widespread Israeli concern that Washington has begun softening its stand vis-à-vis Iran, saying the focus is on economic and political pressure, media reports said.

During their meetings Monday and Tuesday, Bush administration officials -- to reassure Israel that it would not abandon its support for Tel Aviv -- told visiting Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak that the option of strike on Iran over its controversial nuclear program remains on the table, though officials are primarily seeking a diplomatic solution.

The assertion came after Barak, in his talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, demanded that the U.S. keep all options against Iran on the table.