JERUSALEM (JTA) — Hillary Rodham Clinton said the United States is committed to protect Israel from an Iranian nuclear threat.

The U.S. secretary of state said this week that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons is "futile" and reiterated American support for the Jewish state.

"We are not going to let it happen," she said of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, adding that the Islamic Republic does have a right to develop nuclear power for civilian use.

"We have a long, durable relationship with Israel," she said. "We believe strongly that Israel's security must be protected."

Clinton said the diplomatic route to stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons is preferable. Other international powers are behind the effort, she added.

"We will continue to work with all of our allies, most particularly Israel, to determine the best way forward to prevent Iran from being a nuclear weapons state," Clinton said.

Clinton said the several senior Obama administration officials visiting Israel this past week are there to "brief the Israelis" and "to listen to the Israelis."