US President George W. Bush today described Iran as an issue of "grave national security concern" but emphasised he wanted a diplomatic solution to Iran 's nuclear ambitions.
Bush said US concerns were the result of Iran's stated desire to destroy Israel and the US belief that Tehran wants to develop a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian power generation.
"Therefore it's very important for the United States to continue to work with others to solve these issues diplomatically, deal with these threats today," Bush told a newspaper group.