Former Prime Minister Tony Blair was unrepentant Jan. 29 as he defended his decision to join the American invasion of Iraq based on intelligence that was faulty and weapons of mass destruction that turned out not to exist.

"The decision I took — and frankly would take again — was, if there was any possibility that he (Saddam Hussein) could develop weapons of mass destruction, we would stop him," Blair said. "It was my view then and that is my view now."

He also warned that today's leaders face similar tough choices as they confront Iran over its nuclear program

Blair's six-hour session in front of the Iraq Inquiry capped a wide-ranging probe into Britain's role in the Iraq conflict that since November has heard extensive evidence from government lawyers and ministers who raised doubts about the legality and wisdom of the 2003 Iraq invasion.