On Nov. 30, 2012, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said during a keynote address at the Brooking Institution’s Saban Forum that Iran “exports terrorism” around the globe and that the United States, Israel, and “the entire international community” should stop that country from developing a nuclear weapon.
“We already know very well that the Iranian regime already exports terrorism, not only to Israel’s doorstep, but across the world,” Clinton said. “If we had a map I could put up there, I could show you what we track and plot on that map.
“The evidence of terrorism, mostly, thankfully, plots foiled or unsuccessful, unfortunately, as in Bulgaria, some that succeeded,” Clinton said. “But those plots, those activities of Iran directly or through their agents, stretches from Mexico to Thailand.
“America, Israel and the entire international community must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” Clinton said, adding that President Barack Obama has made a “commitment” to that goal.
As a presidential candidate, Clinton has expressed support for the efforts by President Obama and current Secretary of State John Kerry to reach a diplomatic agreement with Iran that would allow some development of nuclear power despite protests from many in the international community, including Israel.
In a statement issued on April 2, Clinton explained that support.
“The understanding that the major world powers have reached with Iran is an important step toward a comprehensive agreement that would prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon and strengthen the security of the United States, Israel, and the region,” Clinton said. “President Obama and Secretary Kerry have been persistent and determined in pursuit of this goal, building on a decade of bipartisan pressure and diplomacy.”
“Getting the rest of the way to a final deal by June won’t be easy, but it is absolutely crucial,” Clinton said. “I know well that the devil is always in the details in this kind of negotiation.”
“So I strongly support President Obama and Secretary Kerry¹s efforts between now and June to reach a final deal that verifiably cuts off all of Iran¹s paths to a nuclear weapon, imposes an intrusive inspection program with no sites off limits, extends breakout time, and spells out clear and overwhelming consequences for violations,” Clinton said.
“The onus is on Iran and the bar must be set high,” Clinton said. “It can never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon. It is also vital that these efforts be part of a comprehensive strategy to check Iran’s regional ambitions, defend our allies and partners, and reinforce American leadership in the Middle East.
“There is much to do and much more to say in the months ahead, but for now diplomacy deserves a chance to succeed,” Clinton said.
CBS reported in April that as Secretary of State Clinton got support from U.S. allies for international sanctions that were credited with bringing the Iranians to the bargaining table.