US credibility on Iran at stake in Syria decision - Hagel says

WASHINGTON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - A failure to take action over Syria's use of chemical weapons would damage the credibility America's pledge to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told Congress on Tuesday. "A refusal to act would undermine the credibility of America's other security commitments - including the president's commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon," Hagel told a Senate hearing, according to prepared remarks. "The word of the United States must mean something." (Reporting by Phil Stewart)