Nuclear-armed Iran unacceptable: Pentagon

Washington, April 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, the US Department of Defense has said.

"Our assessment of the programme remains the same... We are very concerned about where they might be headed. An Iran with a nuclear weapon is unacceptable," said George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, Thursday.

"The United States has made that point crystal clear that all options are on the table to prevent Iran from developing that capability," Little said.

"We don't know, at this stage, whether they have made the decision to proceed with the development of a nuclear weapon. It would be unacceptable if they do move forward," he said.

The Pentagon spokesperson said he believes sanctions are the most effective way to pressure Iran.

The West accuses Iran of pursuing a secret nuclear weapons programme but Tehran insists it needs nuclear power solely to generate electricity.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

rd/dg