French President Nicolas Sarkozy says that Iran's "obsession" with acquiring nuclear material is against international rules.

Sarkozy, asked at a news conference Friday, Nov 4 about a potential preventive strike on Iran over its nuclear program, said, "You are ahead of yourself."

He said that the international community should focus on sanctions, but added that if Israel's existence is threatened, "France will not stand by with arms crossed."

Reports have emerged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to persuade Cabinet ministers to authorize a military strike against Iran's nuclear program.

Many world powers believe Iran is working on nuclear weapons. Iran says it is only seeking nuclear energy, AP reported.