American will not back down regarding Iran and its nuclear program
are working and should get a chance to succeed. Gates did not deny the
rumors that the U.S. and Israel were planning a joint strike of Iran.
Both the U.S. and Israel accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear
weapons, which Tehran denies. Gates said many nations are "united in
telling Iran what it needs to do with respect to its nuclear program."
Pledges Himself To Israel
At the same time, Gates confirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel, noting
that he is the first Pentagon chief to visit country in eight years.
"I think the fact that I have come here in the end of my fourth month as
secretary illustrates the importance that I attach to our relationship
with Israel," he said.
Says Iraqis Are Killing Each Other
He said the attackers were trying to show that the U.S. security plan
for Baghdad was failing. "These terrorists are killing innocent men,
women and children who are Iraqis. They're killing their countrymen,"
Gates said.
"He disagrees that Israel is why we are in Iraq, and reaffirmed the U.S.
commitment to Iraq and to protecting allies in the area.
Gates Thinks Iran Backs The Taliban And Iraq Insurgency
Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said
Tuesday that U.S. forces recently intercepted Iranian-made weapons
intended for Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. Military officials have
said for months that Iranians are supplying weapons and training to
insurgents in Iraq.
Asked about the latest development Wednesday, Gates said the U.S. does
not know the magnitude of the problem or to what level in the Iranian
government it rises.
