In an appearance sponsored by Brookings Institution’s Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Obama said it was not realistic to expect that Iran could be forced to dismantle every part of its multibillion-dollar nuclear infrastructure. He said that in upcoming international negotiations Iran could be allowed a “modest” enrichment program, with strong international monitoring to assure that Tehran could not suddenly accelerate production to produce a nuclear weapon.

“If we could create an option in which Iran eliminated every single nut and bolt of their nuclear program and forswore the possibility of ever having a nuclear program, and for that matter got rid of all its military capabilities, I would take it,” Obama said in a conversation with the center’s principal supporter, Los Angeles businessman Haim Saban.

“But I want to make sure everybody understands it – that particular option is not available. So as a consequence, what we have to do is make a decision as to, given the options available, what is the best way for us to [ensure] Iran does not get a nuclear weapon?”