Israel''s defense minister says his country is taking "no option" off the table regarding Iran''s nuclear program — an indication that a military strike by Israel is still a possibility.

Ehud Barak said "this is our position. We mean it."

He spoke alongside visiting U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on Monday.

Gates said the U.S. administration''s attempt to engage Iran was "not an open-ended offer."

The U.S. and Israel believe Iran is attempting to develop atomic weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is aimed at producing electricity.