Washington, Oct 23 (IANS): US President Barack Obama has vowed he would not let Iran have nuclear weapons as long as he remains in office.
"As long as I am president of the United States, Iran will not get a nuclear weapon," Obama asserted as he faced his Republican rival Mitt Romney in their third debate.
The Democratic incumbent also voiced his support for Israel, calling it "a true friend" and "our greatest ally in the region", Xinhua reported Monday.
"And if Israel is attacked, America will stand with Israel. I've made that clear throughout my presidency," he added.
Romney declared a nuclear Iran "the greatest threat the world faces" as against Obama's designation of the terrorist networks.
Iran insists on the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme, while Washington and its Western allies regard it as a cover for developing nuclear weapons.