Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich both said they would be willing to go to war to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons if all other methods failed, CBS News is reporting. The two made the announcement at the Republican presidential debate on November 12, 2011 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It was the first debate to focus on foreign policy and appear on network television.

Romney said if sanctions and other strategies fail, military action would be brought to the table, as he feels it’s unacceptable for Iran to become a nuclear power. Gingrich agreed, saying there would be no other choice, if maximum covert operations failed.

The two also agreed that it’s acceptable for the U.S. government to kill anyone, even a U.S. citizen, abroad who has engaged in terrorism against America. Gingrich said “If you engage in war against the United States, you are an enemy combatant” and you lose your rights as a result.

Written by: Karen Benardello