Presumed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on Tuesday laid out his foreign policy plans before a week-long visit to Europe and Israel, saying there must be full suspension of enrichment activity in Iran, and outlined how he believes his foreign policy vision clashes with President Barack Obama's.
Speaking to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Reno, Nevada, the Republican candidate said Obama had alienated Israel, the United States' main ally in the Middle East, and treated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with disrespect.
"The people of Israel deserve better than what they have received from the leader of the free world," Romney told the assembled veterans.
The former Massachusetts governor called for the U.S. to insist that Iran cease all enrichment of uranium — rather than limit it to 5 percent, as administration officials have indicated they might accept — as part of any agreement on its nuclear program.
“A clear line has to be drawn,” Romney said, taking a position that mirrors Israel’s on Iran. “There must be a full suspension of any enrichment whatsoever, period.”
"America cannot be neutral in the outcome" of the Middle East, and must clearly stand for Israel, its main ally in the region, while opposing Iran and other adversaries there, Romney said.
According to Bloomberg News, Romney denounced Obama’s treatment of Israel and argued that the president has undermined that nation’s position in the Middle East conflict.
“Since I wouldn’t venture into another country to question American foreign policy, I will tell you right here — before I leave — what I think of this administration’s shabby treatment of one of our finest friends,” Romney said, referring to Israel.
