Obama says 'there is still time' to find diplomatic solution to Iran nuke dispute; Netanyahu hints at impatience During a joint press conference, President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discuss Iran and Syria. Watch their opening statements. By Tracy Connor, Alastair Jamieson and Ian Johnston, NBC News On his first state visit to Israel, President Barack Obama said Wednesday that "there is still time" to find a diplomatic solution to the problem of Iran's disputed nuclear program as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at his impatience. "We agree that a nuclear-armed Iran would be a threat to the region, a threat to the world," Obama said at a joint press conference where he and Netanyahu repeatedly underscored the nations" close relationship. "We do not have a policy of containment when it comes to a nuclear Iran," Obama said. We prefer to resolve this diplomatically and there is still time to do this. Netanyahu said he agreed with the U.S. that it would take Iran about a year to develop a nuclear weapon but said, "whatever time is left, it's not a lot of time." He said that he appreciated that Obama has used diplomacy and strong actions to thwart the threat, "diplomacy and action so far have not stopped Iran's nuclear program" and that a "clear and credible threat of military action is crucial." "I am absolutely convinced that the president is determined to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said, but later added, "Israel has a right to independently defend itself against any threat, including the Iranian threat." The press conference, in which both men made statements and answered four questions, also focused on the situation in Syria and the prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace. "Israel remains fully committed to peace and to the solution of two states for two people," Netanyahu said, adding that he hoped Obama's visit and his meeting Thursday with Palestinian officials in the West Bank would "help us turn a page in our relations with the Palestinian people." Asked about claims that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime used chemical weapons Tuesday, Obama said the U.S. is still investigating but he is "deeply skeptical" of the government's allegation that the opposition deployed the weapons. "I believe Assad must go and I believe he will go," Obama said. Meeting with Peres The question-and-answer session came hours after Obama declared that Israel has "no greater friend than the United States," following a meeting with Israel's President Shimon Peres. Peres warmly praised Obama as "very knowledgeable," adding there could be "no better" leader to take the peace process forward. He also thanked Obama for the "lots of sleepless nights" the president had endured in support of Israel. Earlier Wednesday, Obama was met at Tel Aviv's airport by Netanyahu and Peres, along with a military band and a host of other officials and dignitaries. Obama, who began his speech with "shalom," said he was "confident in declaring that our alliance is eternal." Obama also viewed an "Iron Dome" air defense missile launcher, a U.S.-funded system that was brought to the airport for him to see.