Baruch Gordon
Former U.S. Director of Intelligence Prof. Anthony Cordesman denied Sunday that the United States is set to strike Iran, claiming that the U.S. administration is instead seeking diplomatic avenues.
Speaking at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Cordesman said that the US has a contingency plan for virtually everything, including a strike plan against Iran's missiles, weapons of mass destruction and nuclear facilities.
"Are we about to execute it? No!" he declared.. He explained that the United States does not see Iran rapidly acquiring weapons or effective delivery systems. "If that assessment changes, "he said, pointing out that this differs from some Israeli experts, "then our timing might change." He continued, "I suspect that is going to be an issue for President Obama or President McCain."
Cordesman said that the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the Chairman of Joint Chiefs had all backed up this position. "I think we are contemplating to do exactly what we said we are doing – which is to try to pursue diplomatic options."
Prof. Cordesman was speaking at an event hosted by the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.
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