Iran is influential inside of Iraq. They are influential by providing advanced weaponry. They are influential by dealing with some militias, tend to be Shia militias, all aiming to create discomfort, all aiming to create enough discomfort for the United States, but in doing so, they’re making it harder for this young democracy to emerge, Bush told an audience in Tipp City, Ohio.
Two of the biggest issues we face for the security of this country today and tomorrow is al-Qaeda and Iran. And yet their influence is being played out in Iraq, he added.
Bush also touched on Tehrans nuclear drive. We believe they would like to have a nuclear weapon. Part of our diplomacy is to prevent them from doing so. If the United States were to leave a chaotic Iraq, not only would the vacuum of our failure there to help this young government enable extremists to move more freely and embolden them, but I also believe it would — it could cause the Middle East to enter into a nuclear arms race.
We have no beef with the Iranian people, which is really important for the people of Iran to understand. We value the history of Iran. We respect the traditions of Iran. It’s the Iranian government that is making the decisions that is causing you to be isolated. You’re missing an opportunity to be a great nation because your government has made decisions that is causing the world to put economic sanctions on you and to isolate you. I would hope the Iranian government would change their attitude, he added.
