Obama said he will present Shimon Peres with the Presidential Medal of Freedom this spring.
Obama made it clear that the US will always support Israel.
He also said "Iran's leaders still have the opportunity to make the right decision." The only way to solve this problem is for Iran to forsake nuclear weapons. "Given their history, there is no guarantee they will make the right choice," he said.
"As President and Commander in Chief, I have a deeply held preference for peace over war." He said "I will only use force when the time and circumstances demand it."
Everyone prefers to resolve the problem diplomatically, he said. "Having said that, Iran's leaders should have no doubt about the resolve of the United States, just as they should not doubt Israel's sovereign right to make its own decisions about what is required to meet its security needs."
He said all the talk of war lately has only helped Iran. "Over the last few weeks, such talk has only benefited the Iranian government, by driving up the price of oil, which they depend on to fund their nuclear program. For the sake of Israel’s security, America’s security, and the peace and security of the world, now is not the time for bluster." Meanwhile, Mitt Romney is blustering and setting his hair afire.
Transcript of Obama's speech.
