On February 12, 2009, McCain and Secretary of State Lieberman outlined his administration's foreign policy towards Iran by saying that Iran was "the most serious crisis we have faced - outside of the entire war on terror - since the end of the Cold War." McCain cited Iran's stance towards Israel as justification for his aggressive policy towards Iran, saying that "Iran is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. That alone should concern us but now they are trying for nuclear capabilities." While he said that the U.S. is "willing to talk to Iran with certain preconditions", in which they would offer a very clear choice: continue down the current course and suffer stricter sanctions, increased pressure and isolation; or abandon the illicit nuclear program and support for terrorism and there