Bush not to dismmiss use of force against Iran

The United States has said it will "exhaust all diplomacy" while working with internatinal leaders to make Iran abandon its uranium enrichment program, but has kept the option of using force open.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, US President George W Bush said that while his desire is to "exhaust all diplomacy," he will not take the option of use of force away from the table.

He said he is looking in particular to a proposal by Russia, which would enrich nuclear material on behalf of Iran.

Bush said his goal is to work with France, Germany, Britain and Russia in particular to "present a unified front" and convince Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment programme that could produce the material necessary for nuclear arms.

The US and its allies are seeking to push for a resolution at the IAEA in early February that will criticise Iran for its nuclear activities. The resolution would then refer the matter to the Security Council for a debate.

Bush told The Journal he is working with allies on a strategy for dealing with the issue once it reaches New York.

The President has also said that he has doubts about his ability to work with Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, especially after his call for eliminating Israel.

"I am very concerned about a President of a great country like Iran declaring his intent, or his interest, in the destruction of one of our closest allies. That should be of concern to people who care for the peace around the world," Bush said.