President Bush said Tuesday that he just learned last week of a newly disclosed intelligence report showing Iran halted its nuclear weapons program hasn't changed, and he reiterated that the new intelligence would not change his approach to the regime.
Iran was dangerous, Iran is dangerous, and Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon. ... My opinion hasn't changed," Bush said.
The president was reacting to Monday's disclosure of a National Intelligence Estimate that showed Iran stopped trying to develop a nuclear weapon in 2003, although the administration estimate maintained that Iran still aims to re-start a covert nuclear weapons program.
"I still feel strongly that Iran's a danger," Bush said. "Nothing's changed in this NIE that we say, 'Well, let's stop worrying about it.'"
Bush said Iran could resume a covert nuclear program, and he warned that Iranian leaders could pass along knowledge on building a nuclear weapon to terrorist groups.
"Most of the world understands that Iran with a nuclear weapon could be a serious danger to peace," Bush said.
The United States needs to act immediately, he said, to dissuade Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon.
"Our policy remains the same," Bush said. "I see a danger, and much of the world sees the same danger."
Developing...
Video from Bush's press conference will be posted presently....