Reuters: U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday that targeted economic sanctions on Iran had “real potential” to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear program.
WASHINGTON June 20 (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Sunday that targeted economic sanctions on Iran had “real potential” to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear program.
“Targeted economic pressures has real potential,” Gates told the Fox News Sunday program when asked if he saw any signs that Iran’s resolve to push ahead with its nuclear program was weakening in the face of international sanctions.
“I think there is a reasonable chance of getting the Iranian regime to finally come to their senses and realize that their security is probably more in danger by going forward,” Gates said.
He added, however, that all options, including a military strike, were still on the table in dealing with Tehran on the nuclear issue. (Writing by Paul Simao, Americas Desk, Editing by Sandra Maler)
