Cheney warns Iran, assures allies on Gulf visit

US Vice President Dick Cheney said on Friday the heightened US military presence in the Gulf demonstrated Washington's resolve in a standoff with Iran over Tehran's nuclear plans.

"With two carrier strike groups in the Gulf, we're sending clear messages to friends and adversaries alike," said Cheney on a visit to the John C. Stennis aircraft carrier off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a close US ally. "We'll stand with others to prevent Iran from gaining nuclear weapons and dominating the region," he said, speaking from a cavernous hangar bay. Stennis officials said 3,500 to 4,000 of the 5,000 personnel aboard were on hand. (Reuters)