Biden sees 'less than even' chance of nuclear deal with Iran

Biden sees 'less than even' chance of nuclear deal with Iran 2:56pm EST

WASHINGTON - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on Saturday there was a "less than even shot" of a nuclear deal with Iran but that it was still worth pursuing.

WASHINGTON Sat Dec 6, 2014 2:56pm EST

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting at an Atlantic Council summit in Istanbul November 22, 2014.

Credit: Reuters/Murad Sezer

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(Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Joe Biden said on Saturday there was a "less than even shot" of a nuclear deal with Iran but that it was still worth pursuing.
Biden, speaking at a forum on the Middle East at the Brookings Institution think tank, rejected calls for more sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program because "this is not the time to risk a breakdown when we still have a chance for a breakthrough."
Biden said the sanctions imposed by the United States and allies were working by slowing Iran's economy, as well as its nuclear program.
"It's frozen the program, it's given us a shot for a peaceful solution," he said. "I tell you, I think it's a less than even shot but it's a shot, nonetheless."
Biden said that while the United States and Israel have tactical disagreements, Washington remained fully dedicated to Israel's security.
"We will not let Iran acquire a nuclear weapon - period," he said. "End of discussion. Not on our watch."
Last month Iran said it would not make excessive concessions on its nuclear program, which Tehran says is for energy-creation purposes, as part of a 12-year dispute.
(Writing by Bill Trott; Editing by Sandra Maler
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