WASHINGTON - The idea of an American attack on Iran's nuclear facilities is “simply ridiculous,” U.S. President George W. Bush said Tuesday.
"Having said that, all options are on the table,” added Bush, who spoke in Brussels following a meeting with the 25 European Union foreign
ministers, implying the U.nited States is not planning a military strike, but the move cannot be overruled should diplomatic efforts fail.
| Anti-American demonstration in Iran (Photo: Reuters) |
“It's in our interests for them not to have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
In the past, Bush was more resolute on the matter, saying the U.S. would not permit Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
Still, recent statements by the president seem to indicate diplomacy remains his first option.
New Yorker investigative journalist Seymour Hersh recently published an article in which he claimed U.S. military Special Forces were already positioned in Iran.
Although U.S. government officials denied the report, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen said the story sounded reasonable.
Israel and the U.S. reportedly conduct frequent deliberations regarding the Iranian threat. It appears Israel would not give the U.S. prior notice of a decision to attack Iran, and the Americans, for their part, are not requesting such notice, as not be regarded as accomplices to a possible strike.
Meanwhile, Great Britain, France, and Germany are holding negotiations with Iran and are willing to provide political, economic, and technological incentives in return for the termination of Iran’s nuclear program.
RSS
