US Defense Secretary prepared to bolster security of allies in the Middle East
Defense Secretary Ash Carter says the US is prepared to bolster the security of allies in the Middle East, using military means if necessary, to check what he calls Iran's "malign influence" in the region.
His statement is intended to reassure allies nervous about the landmark deal reached with Iran to control its nuclear program. Israel is strongly opposed to it.
Carter says deterrence remains a major component of America's national security and the US has tens of thousands of military personnel in the region to defend against any aggression, ensure freedom of navigation in the Gulf and make sure Iran's influence is restricted.
