US Defense Secretary Robert Gates

     US Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Wednesday praised the international front against Iran's nuclear program, saying the diplomatic efforts are "working." US and Israel accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran denies. The US has been leading efforts at the United Nations to impose sanctions on Iran. Gates said the diplomatic efforts should be given a chance to succeed. "We agreed it was important to deal with the Iranian nuclear problem through diplomacy, which appears to be working," Gates said at a news conference with his Israeli counterpart, Amir Peretz. (22,59)