Biden touts Iran sanctions as Ryan voices doubts

Republican vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan, of Wisconsin, right, watches as Vice President Joe Biden, speaks during the vice presidential debate at Centre College, Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, in Danville, Ky. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

DANVILLE, Kentucky—Vice President Joe Biden says his administration has the toughest sanctions in history on Iran, even as his Republican rival says the White House has no credibility on the issue.

Republican Paul Ryan said Thursday evening that President Barack Obama has allowed Iran to get four years closer to building a nuclear weapon.

Biden said at the vice presidential debate that he is “quite confident” the administration could deal a serious blow to Iranian’s nuclear ambitions.

The vice president called Ryan’s criticisms of his foreign policy a “bunch of malarkey,” but Ryan contended he would stand up for Israel.