Washington (CNN) - On his second day at the Pentagon, Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel is trying to set his Iran record straight, saying he supports tough international sanctions against Iran, in an attempt to counter complained by critics who say he favored talking directly with the government in Tehran, according to defense officials with direct knowledge of the nominees conversations Wednesday.

Hagel told Pentagon staff he also believes all options in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program should be on the table, including military action, according to the officials.