• He opposes unconditional diplomatic talks with Tehran and would work
with allies to stop Iran's dealings in Iraq.

• McCain is very worried about Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon and
giving it to terrorist organizations.

• He believes that Iran's nuclear proliferation is a serious risk and
could further destabilize the region.
 
• McCain would use military force to prevent Iran from developing
nuclear weapons.

• In April 2007, McCain was asked about possible U.S. military action
in Iran, “when do we send them an airmail message to Tehran?" He began
his answer with a variation on the lyrics of a well-known pop song,
Barbara Ann. “You know that old Beach Boys song, Bomb Iran?" He then
sang "Bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran".  The song became a video
sensation on the Internet.

• In July 2008, McCain was asked for his reaction to an Associated
Press report that $158 million in cigarettes had been shipped from
the United States to Iran during President Bush's years in office,
despite restrictions on U.S. exports there. "Maybe that's a way of
killing them," McCain answered. Following a poke in the back from
wife Cindy, McCain clarified, "I meant that as a joke, as a person
who hasn't had a cigarette in 28 years." 

• McCain has called Obama naive for his willingness to meet with U.S.
foes such as Iran.

• In July 2008, Iran test-fired nine long- and medium-range missiles
that Iranian officials said were aimed at showing the country’s
ability to counter Israeli or American attacks.   In a prepared
statement, McCain responded, “Iran’s most recent missile tests
demonstrate again the dangers it poses to its neighbors and to the
wider region, especially Israel. Ballistic missile testing coupled
with Iran’s continued refusal to cease its nuclear activities should
unite the international community in efforts to counter Iran’s
dangerous ambitions. Iran’s missile tests also demonstrate the need
for effective missile defense now and in the future, and this
includes missile defense in Europe as is planned with the Czech
Republic and Poland.”  McCain also criticized Obama for his plans to
open direct diplomacy with Iran. “Working with our European and
regional allies is the best way to meet the threat posed by Iran, not
unilateral concessions that undermine multilateral diplomacy,” McCain
said.

• McCain accused Obama of underestimating the threat Iran poses to
the United States and stated, "Senator Obama has declared and
repeatedly reaffirmed his intention to meet the president of Iran
without any preconditions, likening it to meetings between former
American presidents and the leaders of the Soviet Union," he said.
"Such a statement betrays the depth of Senator Obama's inexperience
and reckless judgment. These are very serious deficiencies for an
American president to possess."

Obama quickly responded to McCain's attack, "And so I have made it
clear for years that the threat from Iran is grave, but what I have
said is that we should not just talk to our friends, we should be
willing to engage our enemies as well.  That is what diplomacy is all
about.  The reason Iran is so much more powerful now than it was a few
years ago is because of the Bush and McCain policy of fighting an
endless war in Iraq and refusing to pursue direct diplomacy with
Iran. They are the ones who have not dealt with Iran wisely."

• Obama would engage in direct talks with Tehran including offering
some economic incentives if Iran stopped operations in Iraq and
cooperated on nuclear issues.
 
• He has refused to say if he would consider military action if Iran
were not abandon its nuclear weapons program.
 
• Obama said he continued to favor an incentive package that is aimed
at getting Iran to drop its nuclear ambitions.

• He proposed a resolution in the Senate to reverse designation of
Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.

• Obama accused McCain and President Bush of what he called dishonest
and divisive attacks over his willingness to talk to Iran.  Without
mentioning Obama's name, President Bush compared those who would
negotiate with terrorists and radicals, to the appeasers of Nazi
Germany prior to the Second World War.

• In July 2008, Iran test-fired nine long- and medium-range missiles
that Iranian officials said were aimed at showing the country’s
ability to counter Israeli or American attacks.  Obama responded, “I
would want to talk to the national security team to find out whether
this indicates any new capabilities on Iran’s part. At this point,
the reports aren’t clear. It’s still early, but I think what this
underscores is the need for us to create a kind of policy that is
putting the burden on Iran to change behavior. And, frankly, we just
have not been able to do that over the last several years, partly
because we’re not engaged in direct diplomacy.”  He also stated that
Iran is a ‘grave threat’ and that we should gather our allies
together in a serious effort to apply sanctions in Iran.  He noted
that American exports to Iran have increased during the Bush years.