Pacifying Israel, Pentagon says will utilize military option against Iran if needed
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter says the US might utilize the “military option” against Iran in a bid to pacify Israel after Tehran, Washington and five other world powers concluded nuclear talks in Vienna.
"We remain prepared and postured to bolster the security of our friends and allies in the region, including Israel; to defend against aggression; ensure freedom of navigation in the [Persian] Gulf; and check Iranian malign influence," Carter said in a statement on Tuesday.
"We will utilize the military option if necessary," the Pentagon chief added.
He is scheduled to travel to Israel next week to meet with his counterparts.
President Barack Obama noted that “Carter's visit next week to Israel is a reflection of the unprecedented level of security cooperation between the United States and Israel, and that the visit offers a further opportunity to continue our close consultation on security issues with Israeli counterparts,” the White House said in a statement on Tuesday.
Iran and the P5+1 group of countries -- the US, Britain, France, China, Russia plus Germany -- reached a conclusion on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna on Tuesday.
According to the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran will be recognized by the United Nations as a nuclear power and will continue its uranium enrichment program.
The JCPOA will put limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
In response to the agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “a historic mistake for the entire world."
“Whenever there is a readiness to make a deal at any cost, this is the result," said Netanyahu.
Carter also reassured the long-time US ally that "our military — including tens of thousands of US forces in the Middle East — are full speed ahead maintaining a strong presence in the [Persian] Gulf."
"As we implement this historic agreement, deterrence remains a major component of America's national security," he added.
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