Israeli President Shimon Peres meeting with a delegation from the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, led by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, on February 18, 2014. Photo: Mark Neiman / GPO.

Israeli President Shimon Peres on Tuesday drew the attention of a delegation from the U.S. Congress to Jerusalem to Iran’s long history of attempting to acquire nuclear weapons, and using its oil wealth to fund and spread terror around the world.

Meeting with a delegation from the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, led by Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, Peres said, “The Iranian people are paying a heavy price for the demands of the leadership to continue the development of a nuclear weapon. Iran is not only building a nuclear weapon but is also funding and spreading terrorism across the world.”

He thanked delegation for the special relationship that exists between the United States and Israel: “We’re fortunate to have our special relations with America, we’re alone, isolated and often attacked and you support us not because of oil but because of values,” Peres said. “When it comes to defending our land there was no request which President Obama did not accept.”

On the U.S. efforts to reach an agreement in the ongoing peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, Peres said, “President Obama and Secretary Kerry are trying to bring peace to this region. Secretary Kerry’s contribution has been incredible.”

“This is a small country with a long history and while it is not simple, it can be done,” he said. “The Arab world is plagued by poverty and unemployment, Israel wishes to see a successful and prosperous Middle East and we extend our hand in peace to all our neighbors.”