Obama: Iran With Nukes Could Trigger Arms Race

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama says a nuclear-armed Iran could trigger an arms race in the Middle East, something his administration wants to avoid.

Obama told Fox News Channel's Bret Baier that keeping Tehran without a nuclear weapon is one of his highest priorities. Baier asked Obama if a nuclear-armed Tehran would be a failure of his administration. Obama's reply was to emphasize work already under way among international partners to isolate Iran.

Iran has accelerated its nuclear program despite previous U.N. penalties, but the United States and some of its allies say a renewed demonstration of world resolve could finally push Iran to negotiate.