AP: The top U.S. commander in the Middle East says the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities are not working. He says Tehran has a history of denial and deceit and is enriching uranium beyond any plausible peaceful purpose.
The Associated Press
By By LOLITA C. BALDOR
WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. commander in the Middle East says the current sanctions and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran from gaining nuclear capabilities are not working. He says Tehran has a history of denial and deceit and is enriching uranium beyond any plausible peaceful purpose.
Gen. James Mattis, head of U.S. Central Command, is telling the Senate Armed Services Committee that it may still be possible to use sanctions and other pressure to bring Tehran to its senses. He says Iran is using the negotiations to buy time.
He was asked if the U.S. can bring Iran to its knees. Mattis says the U.S. has a number of ways to do that, even short of open conflict.
