US-Iran tension rises

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-18-2007 16:34

As the US struggles to cope with a volatile Iraq, it's turning its attention to Iran accusing Tehran of supporting insurgents in Iraq. Some even speculate the US may consider going to war with Iran.

As part of US plans to send more troops to Iraq, the aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis, left the United States for the Persian Gulf on Tuesday. When it arrives in about a month, it will join another carrier, the USS Eisenhower.

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the two carriers in the Middle East will remind Iran of the military might of the US army. He said "The Iranians clearly believe that we are tied down in Iraq, that they have the initiative, that they are in a position to press us in many ways."

As violence continues to tear through Iraq, the US government is blaming Iran for supporting some of these attacks.

Gao Zugui, Ph.D. of China Inst. of Contemp. Int'l Relations, said "The US strategy in the Middle East faces many difficulties. Currently, the Iraq issue is a top priority. But with Iran's influence in Iraq and its continued tough stance on its nuclear program, the US is starting to see Iran as the biggest threat to its Middle East strategy. The US is aiming to show its powers through its military presence in the Persian Gulf and its raid on the Iranian consular office."

Ahmadinejad in Venezuela

Meanwhile on the Iranian side, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is still talking tough. His Latin America tour this week was a new move to reduce Washington's influence by strengthening ties with Leftist governments.

Gao Zugui said "Iran remains opposed to US demands, including giving up its nuclear program and easing its anti-US influence in the Middle East and Latin America. If this situation continues, the US may carry out military strikes against Iran. But it's unlikely to be a big-scale operation like the Iraqi invasion."

Although the US regards Iraq as its top priority, many feel Washington must also engage with Tehran... as key to restoring stability to Iraq.

Editor:Du Xiaodan