Bachmann: Iran would use nuke against United States, Israel

Rep. Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, took a hard line over the possibility of Iran building its own nuclear weapon, saying that all options should be open to the United States and other Western powers, including military action.

"I would have every alternative and option on the table, because Iran must never have a nuclear weapon," Bachmann said during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"Because they have stated unequivocally, once they gain a nuclear weapon, they will use that weapon to wipe Israel off of the map and they will use it against the United States."

Bachmann, who is running for the GOP presidential nomination, also said that if was important for American officials to heed the words of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad has threatened the United States, Israel and other nations opposed to Iran's nuclear weapons program.

"If there is anything that history has taught us in the last 100 years, it is this - when a madman speaks, we should listen," Bachmann said. "I take this threat very seriously."

Bachmann lashed out at GOP Rep. Ron Paul (Texas), who said during the last Republican presidential debate that fears of Iran's nuke program are overstated.

"The problem with Ron Paul is that his statements were very dangerous," Bachmann said.