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U.S. will talk but ready to act, Iran told

MUNICH: U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden delivered a clear message to Iran, saying on Saturday the U.S. was willing to talk but would act to isolate and pressure Tehran if it did not abandon its nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism.

In a wide-ranging speech to international leaders and security experts, Mr. Biden said the U.S. would strive to act preventively and avoid having to choose between the risks of war and the dangers of inaction.

But Mr. Biden held out the option that the U.S. could take pre-emptive action against Iran if necessary to stop crises before they start.

The U.S., he said, would “continue to develop missile defences to counter a growing Iranian capability, provided the technology is proven and it is cost effective.”

At the same time, he said that if Tehran gave up its nuclear programme and stopped backing terrorists, there would be meaningful incentives. — AP

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