U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in Jerusalem Monday that Iran's proposals to world powers on its nuclear program were "non-starters".

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:

"I made very clear that the proposals we have seen from Iran thus far within the P5+1 negotiations are "non starters". Despite three rounds of talks, it appears that Iran has yet to make a strategic decision to address the international community's concerns and fulfill their obligations under the IAEA and the UN Security Council."

Clinton, wrapping up a Middle East trip, said that Washington preferred a diplomatic solution to end the impasse over what the West fears is Iran's attempt to make nuclear weapons. Tehran denies this is its aim.

At a news conference Clinton was asked about the incident in which Egyptian protesters threw tomatoes and shoes at her motorcade Sunday.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:

"I was not offended, I was relieved that nobody was hurt, and I felt bad that good tomatoes were wasted. But other than that, it was not particularly bothersome."

The long 22-month gap from Clinton's last visit to Israel in part reflects the absence of progress on Israeli-Palestinian peace since talks between the two sides broke down in 2010.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters