Wendy Sherman

Their costly and destructive decisions threaten international security, increase tensions in one of the most vital parts of the world.

The United States is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and committed to a dual-track approach of pressure and engagement.

The Iranian Government continues to ignore its international obligations and responsibilities and defy the consensus of the global international community.

The United States will continue to increase the pressure on Iran as we seek a diplomatic solution to international concerns over Iran's nuclear program.

In order for sanctions to force the Iranian Government to change its nuclear policy in a positive direction, I believe the Government must be put in a position where they simply are unable to pay their bills.

Energy security is critical for all of the countries of the world.

We appear to be on a path to cause economic collapse in Iran 2 years from now when they may already have a nuclear weapon.

the nuclear file is held by the Supreme Leader of Iran, and so he is the sole decisionmaker

We are about changing the behavior of the regime, not the regime.

We are very concerned about Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and of course Robert Levinson.

I think all of us share your frustration and share your concern.

That unity, whether it is at the U.N. Security Council or the IAEA or in negotiations, allows us to enforce sanctions.

Our challenge is that so far this has not changed Iran's calculus or, I should say, the Supreme Leader's calculus.

We take no sides in the election, but we know that the desires and aspirations of the Iranian people must start with free, fair, and transparent elections.

I think that right now it probably would be difficult to get all of the members of the Security Council to move on a new resolution.

We have pressed very hard for the Government of Iraq to inspect those flights and they have begun to do so.

I'm sure that time will come. As the President has said, he----

The dual-track approach provides that way out for Iran should the Supreme Leader decide to take it.

At the end of the day it is him and him alone.

We take this very, very seriously.

They have to have a reason to back away from a nuclear program other than, OK, the United States beat us.

These are very slight, very, very slight cracks.

I think we are all together on the national mission to block Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

We do not take sides. We just want a free and fair and open election for the people of Iran.

We currently assess that it would take Iran a minimum period of approximately 1 year if it made a decision today to acquire a nuclear weapon.