Ryan hits Biden hard on Iranian nukes

Ryan observed that the Obama administration failed to stand behind the pro-democracy protesters against the Iranian mullahs during the 2009 Green Revolution following the Islamic republic’s disputed presidential election and noted that Iran is closer today to a nuclear weapon than when Obama became president because his administration lacks credibility.

“It’s because this administration watered down sanctions, delayed sanctions, tried to stop us for putting the tough sanctions in place,” Ryan claimed.

He noted that the Obama administration has sought waivers to the sanctions against Iran 20 times and that it took Congressional support to get the a tightening of sanctions.

He went on to point out that Obama had more time to go on a daily talk show than to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – a charge that Biden denied.

“[The president has met with Bibi a dozen times. He’s spoken to Bibi Netanyahu as much as he’s spoken to anybody,” Biden proclaimed.

Biden fired back at Ryan falsely alleging that Iran now faces “crippling” sanctions because of the Obama administration and that President Obama has stood firm.

“We will not let them develop a nuclear weapon,” Biden said, pointing to the international pressure that has been building against Iran.

Yet, reports suggest the Iran sanctions are failing to end its nuclear program.

The Vice President similarly denied that Iran would have a nuclear weapon even if it gets enough enriched uranium to build a nuclear weapon by next spring.

“They don’t have a weapon,” Biden said. “They won’t have a weapon.”

But Ryan fired back noting that a nuclear armed Iran would trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

“We are now four years closer to Iran having a nuclear weapon,” Ryan said.

This post had been updated to include additional quotes.