¡¡WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush said on Monday that he is deeply concerned about Iran and the United States would defend Israel against any Iranian threat.

    "I am deeply concerned about Iran, as should a lot of people beconcerned about Iran," Bush said during a speech in Manhattan, Kansas.

    "I'm concerned about a non-transparent society's desire to develop a nuclear weapon. The world cannot be put in a position where we can be blackmailed by a nuclear weapon," Bush said.

    "I am concerned when the country of Iran's president announces his desire to see that Israel gets destroyed. Israel's our ally. We're committed to the safety of Israel, and it's a commitment we will keep," Bush added.

    Bush said that the next step is to refer to the UN Security Council if the country continues to reject diplomatic efforts to solve its nuclear issue.

    The United States has accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran has said its nuclear programs are for civil purposes only. Enditem