Obama says he wants lower gas prices (by Steve Goldstein)

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- During his first press conference of the year, President Barack Obama brushed off criticism that he wants higher gas prices to encourage renewable-energy consumption. "I want gas prices lower," Obama said, as he repeated his line that the U.S. wants an all-of-the-above strategy on energy. He also repeated concerns over global oil supplies and refining bottlenecks. Obama chastised rivals for "beating the drums of war" on Iran and said there's an opportunity to resolve concerns over the country's nuclear program through diplomatic means. He added the threat from Iran isn't just to Israel as he said he was "deeply aware" of the Jewish state's "historical precedents."