U.S. Intelligence: Iran Not Likely to Start Conflict
Created: 2012-02-17 06:41 EST
Category: World > North America
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A U.S. intelligence official said on Thursday Israel has not made a decision to attack Iran over its nuclear program. It's also believed Iran will respond if attacked but is unlikely to initiate or provoke a conflict.
[Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess, Director, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency]:
"...Iran could also attempt to employ terrorist surrogates worldwide, however the agency assesses Iran is unlikely to initiate or intentionally provoke a conflict."
Burgess addressed a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
Asked whether intelligence agencies believe Israel has made a decision to attack Iran:
[Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess, Director, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency]:
"Sir, to the best of our knowledge, Israel has not decided to attack Iran."
He also said that despite the sanctions, Iran was unlikely to abandon its nuclear program.
The West believes Iran's program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, but Iran maintains it's for peaceful purposes.
Iran proclaimed advances in nuclear know-how on Wednesday, including new centrifuges able to enrich uranium much faster.
The move could hasten confrontation with the West over its nuclear program.
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