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January 4, 2012

Iran Threatens Response over U.S. in Gulf 
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The U.S. is vowing to remain in the Persian Gulf following an Iranian
threat to take military action if a U.S. aircraft carrier returns. Last
week, Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key Gulf
passageway, over newly enacted U.S. sanctions and filmed a U.S. aircraft
carrier leaving the Gulf during Iranian naval exercises. On Tuesday, the
head of Iran's military, Major General Ataollah Salehi, said Iran would
respond if the aircraft carrier returns.

Major General Ataollah Salehi: "I think the enemy has got the message.
As you saw, once our naval drills began, the enemy's aircraft carrier
left the Strait of Hormuz for the Sea of Oman. We repeat that we do not
intend to take any irrational action. But we are ready to counter any
threat. We have warned the aircraft carrier, which posed a threat to us,
against returning to the Persian Gulf. And we are not going to repeat
the warning."

The White House and Pentagon have dismissed Iran's claims. In
Washington, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Iran is
highlighting its own international isolation.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: "I think it reflects the fact
that Iran is in a position of weakness. It's the latest round of Iranian
threats, and it's confirmation that Tehran is under increasing pressure
for its continued failures to live up to its international obligations.
Iran is isolated and is seeking to divert attention from its behavior
and domestic problems. This is simply a measure of the impact that
sanctions have been having on Iran and the broad international support
for taking—putting pressure on Iran and isolating Iran because of its
refusal to live up to its international obligations."



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