Top US commander doubts effectiveness of air strike on Iran
By NVONews.Com Correspondent,
Wasington DC: Even as the United States has reportedly sent a message to Tehran stating that Washington would not support the Zionist state in case of any possible unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities the top US military commander had last week expressing doubts about the effectiveness of such strike.
The remarks by the US General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that an Israeli strike would “delay but probably not destroy” Iran’s programme reinforced the view that Tel Aviv may have to go alone.
General Dempsey went on to say that he does nor “want to be complicit” if Israel chooses to attack on its own.
According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot top officials at US President Barack Obama’s administration have sent the confidential message to Iran a few days ago via two European governments, announcing that the US would not support Israel if it decided to carry out a “unilateral and without coordination” attack on Iran.
The daily added that the US aims to prevent an Iranian attack on the US installations in the Persian Gulf, where it has deployed aircraft carriers and has several military bases.
Israel’s officials have noted that the US move is an indication of more strained ties between Washington and Tel Aviv.
Reacting to General Dempsey’s remarks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that the report confirms what “we have been saying for some time, while the international sanctions are indeed making things difficult for the Iranian economy, they are not delaying the progress.”
Last week’s International Atomic Energy Agency report said Iran has quickened the pace of enriching uranium to possible weapons capability.
The Israeli PM said “the international community is not setting Iran a clear red line and Iran does not see international determination to stop its nuclear project.”
Meanwhile, criticizing the war-rhetoric of Netanyahu, the leader of opposition Kadima Party, Shaul Mofaz, said “The prime minister has lost the faith of the security chiefs, United States President [Barack] Obama, and [Israeli] President Shimon Peres.” “This is a bankrupt leadership.” He said the Prime Minister has lost his wits and dragging the country into war frenzy.
Reports from Washington said that the widening gap between Israel and the United States over policy on Iran comes as President Barack Obama is reportedly taking new steps to forestall a unilateral Israeli strike. The measures include broader military preparations in the Persian Gulf, more sanctions on Iran oil revenue and possibly a declaration on what Iranian actions would trigger a US strike.
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