Dana Perino speaks after US President George W. Bush announces that Perino will take over the post of White House Press Secretary from Tony Snow in the press briefing room of the White House, August 31, 2007.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The United States said Friday that it is trying to solve Iran's nuclear issue through diplomacy.

"We are trying to solve this diplomatically," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said.

"I understand that Israel is very concerned about their future and their safety when they have a neighbor in their region – Iran – that says they want to wipe them off the map," Perino said.

According to media reports, Israel's Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz threatened earlier Friday that Iran would face an attack from Israel if Iran continues to pursue its nuclear weapons program.

"If Iran continues its nuclear weapons program, we will attack it," Mofaz was quoted as saying.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied US charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2008)