Bush Vows to Prevent Iran From Acquiring Nuclear Arms

In the wake of the new National Intelligence Estimate, Bush warned that Iran nevertheless remains "dangerous." He pointed to the review's finding that the Iranian military was secretly working to develop nuclear weapons before suspending the program in the fall of 2003.

In his interview with Radio Farda, Bush said there was "a chance that the U.S. and Iran can reconcile their differences, but the government is going to have to . . . make different choices." He said one choice "is to verifiably suspend the enrichment of uranium, at which time there is a way forward."

Bush added, "The Iranian people have got to understand that the United States is going to be firm in our desire to prevent the nation from developing a nuclear weapon, but reasonable in our desire to see to it that you have civilian nuclear power without -- you know, without enabling the government to enrich."

Saying that Iran has "not told the truth in the past," Bush argued that it was therefore "very difficult for the United States" and other nations to trust the government in Tehran.

He expressed support for a Russian proposal to provide enriched uranium to Iran for use as fuel in nuclear power plants.

In a separate interview with the Voice of America's Persian News Network, Bush said his new year's message to the Iranian people is, "We have differences with the government, but we honor the people, and we want the people to live in a free society." He told Iranians, "Please don't be discouraged by the slogans that say America doesn't like you, because we do, and we respect you."

Bush said, "It's just sad that the leadership is in many ways very stubborn, because . . . the Iranian people are not realizing their true rights."

Asked if he would "allow [uranium] enrichment inside Iran" under guarantees and international supervision, Bush said, "I would have to be convinced that any secret programs would be disclosed." He suggested that "the better way forward" is for Iran to accept Russia's offer to supply nuclear fuel under a contract with strict monitoring.

Bush also expressed support for Iranian dissidents. "The reformers inside Iran are brave people, they've got no better friend than George W. Bush, and I ask for God's blessings on them on their very important work," he said.

He said recent talks between the United States and Iran have been "solely about Iraq." The U.S. message to Iranian leaders, he said, is to stop sending weapons to Iraqi insurgent groups and militias, "or there will be consequences inside of Iraq."

Staff writer Robin Wright contributed to this report.