McCain says sanctions have to be tried with Iran before considering military option

McCain says sanctions have to be tried with Iran

WASHINGTON — GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona says the United States must try sanctions to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon before considering other options like a military attack.

However, McCain wondered whether other countries like Israel are willing to have the patience to see if sanctions will sway the Middle Eastern country.

The United States and other countries worry that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapon. Iran says its work is peaceful and designed to generate electricity, but it has defied international demands to prove it is not trying to build an atomic bomb.

The Obama administration is now beginning a push to get international support for additional penalties against Iran.

McCain said “sanctions have to be tried before we explore the last option.”

McCain was speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”