A top US military commander said that Iran poses the “most significant threat” in the Middle East, calling for a military action against the Islamic Republic.
Iran poses the “most significant threat” in the Middle East, where its nefarious activities and support for terror organizations have grown since the announcement of the landmark nuclear agreement, US Central Command leader Gen. Joseph Votel told the Congress on Wednesday.
The United States has “not seen any improvement in Iran’s behavior” since the nuclear agreement was inked, Votel said, warning that the Islamic Republic is boosting its support for militias in Syria and Iraq while building large numbers of ballistic missiles.
Votel, testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, opened his remarks by stating “Iran poses the greatest long-term threat to stability in this part of the world.”
“Through both messaging and actions, we must also be clear in our communications and ensure the credibility of US intentions,” Votel stated in his written testimony.
“Iran must believe there will be prohibitive consequences if it chooses to continue its malign activities designed to foment instability in the region.”
The United States consistently is faced with “a range of malign activities perpetrated by Iran and its proxies in the region,” according to Votel, who pointed to interference by Iran in Iraq, Syria, and other areas.
In addition to Iran’s “nuclear weapons potential,” the country poses several “credible threats,” according to Votel. These include its “robust” ballistic missile program, cyber threats, and the continued harassment of U.S. forces stationed in the region.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC, also poses a significant risk due to its clandestine efforts to foster terrorism against U.S. allies, added Votel.
“We must make sure that we are postured for purpose in this region,” Votel said. “We must have a credible, ready, and present force.”
Source: Agencies
