"I do not have high expectations that the election is going to change the fundamental calculus of Iran," Kerry told reporters.
"So we will continue to pursue... Every effort to have a peaceful resolution, but Iran needs to understand that the clock is ticking," Kerry said yesterday.
Speaking in Tel Aviv last week, Kerry denounced the "lack of transparency" in the run-up to the June 14 vote, saying it was "highly unlikely that that slate of candidates is either going to represent the broad will of the Iranian people or represent a change."
Iran vehemently denies the charge.
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Washington and its P5+1 allies -- Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, plus Germany -- have been negotiating for years with Tehran to find a solution to the diplomatic crisis.
Despite the bloc's quest for a peaceful resolution, "every month that goes by gets more dangerous," Kery warned.
"The reality is that Israel would do what it needs to do to defend itself.