He boasted that his reliance on diplomacy—often criticized by Republicans—has tightened the noose around the Islamic Republic.
And he rolled out the standard take-no-options-off-the-table rhetoric intended to show that a president is willing to use force if necessary without actually saying that the president is willing to use.
Finally, he appealed to Iran to negotiate seriously and be welcomed back into the community of nations.
Here is the full text of what Obama said about Iran:
“We will safeguard America’s own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with Iran’s nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent.
“Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal.
“But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible—and far better—and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.”
