Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Pentagon Warns Iran

The Pentagon warned today it is prepared to use force if its warships are threatened by Iran. The warning came in the wake of a tense naval standoff between US Navy and IRGC patrol boats.

The Pentagon Spokesman Bryan Whitman also dismissed as absurd an Iranian claim that it has faked the video and audio of the incident. Iran has characterized the evidence as “clumsily fabricated.”

Whitman said Iran’s accusation reflects “a lack of seriousness with which they take this serious incident.”

Saudi Arabia today urged restraint after Iran-US naval skirmish. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal told reporters, “We face the danger of an escalation, and restraint by all players in the region is necessary.” [AFP, 9 January]

President Bush arrived in Israel today amid a war of words with Iran over the skirmish. The White House has accused Iran of committing a “provocative” act.

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