The president of Nippon Steel Co., Ltd. said suing the U.S. government was optional, NTV reported.

TOKYO (Reuters) – Nippon Steel President Tadashi Imai said filing a lawsuit against the U.S. government was one of his “important options” after President Joe Biden blocked his proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel, Japan TV reported on Monday.

Imai told reporters that the U.S. government’s review process and decision on the proposed acquisition appeared to have been poorly handled, adding that Nippon Steel “deserves an appropriate review,” according to the report.

Biden cited national security concerns in rejecting the $14.9 billion bid on Friday after a year-long review.

Imai said it would not take long for the company to announce a response to the U.S. government’s decision, the report said.