WASHINGTON — Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Senate minority leader, proposed threatening “overwhelming force” against Iran should it enrich uranium to weapons-grade level or launch a weapons program.

“If Iran at any time at any time begins to enrich uranium to weapons grade levels, or decides to go forward with a weapons program, then the United States will use overwhelming force to end that program,” McConnell told the annual American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual policy conference on Monay night, to a standing ovation.

McConnell said the policy of making clear that “all options are on the table,” used both by President Obama and President George W. Bush, was not explicit enough.

He said that should the intelligence community report to Congress that either trigger had kicked in, he would consult with the president and the congressional leadership to authorize “overwhelming military force.”

McConnell’s proposal is not attached to any legislation.