JERUSALEM — Washington's envoy to Israel says the U.S. has plans in place to attack Tehran if necessary to prevent it from becoming an atomic military power.

In remarks before the Israel Bar Association, Dan Shapiro said the U.S. hopes diplomacy and economic sanctions will pressure Iran to abandon its suspect nuclear program.

He says the U.S. prefers not to resort to military force "but that doesn't mean that option is not fully available. Not just available, but it's ready. The necessary planning has been done to ensure that it's ready."

The Associated Press obtained a recording of his remarks on Thursday. Shapiro spoke Tuesday.

World powers are to meet with Iran for a new round of nuclear talks in Baghdad next week. Iran denies it is building bombs.