Earlier this week, the Bush Administration indicated its willingness to Iran regarding the Iraqi security situation. Obama has previously voiced his criticism of the Iraq war, but this is the first time he suggested any link with Iran.

"One of the most profound consequences of the administration's failed strategy in Iraq has been to strengthen Iran's strategic position; reduce U.S. credibility and influence in the region; and place Israel and other nations friendly to the United States in greater peril," Obama told the pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

He added that the need of the hour was to have a direct engagement with Iran that was similar to the meetings with Soviet Union during Cold War. Obama's speech on Friday was his second direct reference to the Iraq war. At the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in November Obama had called for a reduction of U.S. forces in Iraq.

Yesterday he was more forthcoming on the link between the failed Iraq strategy and Iran's emergence. Emphasizing that Israel was an important ally of the United States, the Illinois Senator said that the country was also the region’s "only established democracy."

He added that the US must stand by Israel's right to defend herself, "For six years, the administration has missed opportunities to increase the United States' influence in the region and help Israel achieve the peace she wants and the security she needs. The time has come for us to seize those opportunities,” he observed.

Obama called Iran's uranium enrichment program a threat to all countries and said diplomatic efforts need to be intensified to stop the country from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The Iranian government led by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has maintained that its uranium enrichment program is peaceful and not meant to acquire nuclear weapons.

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