U.S. President Barack Obama has rejected Republican accusations his foreign policy is based on appeasement — citing, among other things, the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces.

Mr. Obama took questions from reporters at the White House Thursday, fielding queries about Iran and the European financial crisis.

Asked about statements by Republican presidential candidates Wednesday that his foreign policy is soft, Mr. Obama noted that bin Laden and more than 20 other al-Qaida figures have been killed or captured under his administration.

On Iran, Mr. Obama said the United States is “considering all options” to prevent that country from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Mr. Obama also fielded a question about the European financial crisis. He said Europe is wealthy enough that there is “no reason” EU member states cannot solve their financial problems if they muster the political will. He said it is important for Europe to stand behind the euro currency.

He also noted that a European financial failure could have a deep impact on the ability of the U.S. to generate jobs.