CHICAGO - The following is a statement from United States Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias in reaction to comments Republican Congressman Mark Kirk made today at the Chicago Council of Global Affairs in regards to military options in Iran.

"Today Mark Kirk took the irresponsible step of saying that he opposes a military option in dealing with Iran. While saying that he believes Iran is in the midst of a "nuclear breakout," he removed a critical instrument in the U.S. foreign policy toolbox.

"As I have repeatedly said, a nuclear-armed Iran is unacceptable. Targeted military strikes at key nuclear facilities should be considered only as a last resort, but must always remain on the table. This is not a "let Israel handle it" problem, as Congressman Kirk said in his remarks.  A nuclear-armed Iran threatens the entire Mideast region, the United States, and the world.

"I have outlined a comprehensive plan that includes targeted sanctions intended to cripple the Revolutionary Guards and discourage companies from aiding the Iranian energy sector. I also proposed ways to empower Iranian citizens who take to the street in a fight for basic rights. All options must remain on the table."

Giannoulias agrees with recent sentiments expressed by United States Senator John McCain, Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff and the Wall Street Journal.

"There's no good options, Bill. We can't take military option off the table. Yet, you know the ramifications."
-Senator John McCain, Interview with Bill O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor," 9/28/2009

"I've said many times that, from the United States' perspective - and my leadership has said it -- that we haven't taken any options off the table and would not expect to."
-Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Media Availability, 2/14/2010

"... the option of a military strike will have to be put squarely on the table. Sanctions have little chance of working unless they are backed by a credible military threat."
-Wall Street Journal, editorial, 2/19/2010

Alexi's full Iran policy can be found at http://www.alexiforillinois.com/iran