Iran - the main threat to the US in the Middle East, believe in the Pentagon
Iran represents a major threat to the interests of the United States in the Middle East, reports TASS statement by the head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) General Joseph White.
The area of responsibility of the Central Command includes the Middle East, East Africa and Central Asia.
According to him, Iran intends to "create with the help of political allies in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon an arc of influence in the Middle East."
He said that with Iran "Russia is trying to establish contacts in different directions."
In addition, he added, “the lifting of UN sanctions (against Tehran) in connection with the agreements reached on the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (IPAP) opened the way for Iran to re-apply for joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
Referring to the situation in Pakistan, Votel noted that Islamabad has not yet taken decisive action to combat the militants on its territory, however there are some “positive signs”.
According to the general, "it is important to understand that Pakistan is a country that has suffered greatly from terrorism," and local authorities at one time "took a number of measures to fight extremists."
Recall that relations between Washington and Islamabad deteriorated at the end of 2017, after the promulgation of a new US strategy in South Asia and Afghanistan. Then the Pakistani authorities were accused of supporting radical groups that act against the military forces of the United States and its allies in Afghanistan.
The area of responsibility of the Central Command includes the Middle East, East Africa and Central Asia.
Iran remains the main threat to US interests and partnerships in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia for influence in the region creates many dilemmas throughout the Middle East: from Iran’s support of Housits in Yemen to Riyadh’s attempts to reduce the significance of the (Shiite) Hezbollah in Lebanon,
Votel said at a congressional hearing.According to him, Iran intends to "create with the help of political allies in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon an arc of influence in the Middle East."
We view ways to solve problems in the region and develop relations with countries through the prism of countering Iran,
noted the general.He said that with Iran "Russia is trying to establish contacts in different directions."
Being historical adversaries, Moscow and Tehran share interests in the region, which includes the desire to push aside or even push the United States out of the region. Both Russia and Iran are trying to maintain a brutal regime in Syria, to limit US military influence in Afghanistan, to split the US strategic partnership with Turkey,
declared Votel.In addition, he added, “the lifting of UN sanctions (against Tehran) in connection with the agreements reached on the Joint Comprehensive Action Plan (IPAP) opened the way for Iran to re-apply for joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
Referring to the situation in Pakistan, Votel noted that Islamabad has not yet taken decisive action to combat the militants on its territory, however there are some “positive signs”.
Now we have begun to observe very positive indicators that they are moving in the right direction. But this is not comparable with the decisive actions that we would like to see from them in terms of a strategic shift, but there are positive signs,
he said.According to the general, "it is important to understand that Pakistan is a country that has suffered greatly from terrorism," and local authorities at one time "took a number of measures to fight extremists."
Our approach is to maintain interaction with them. We want open discussion, frequent contacts, building trust. We continue to work with them to push them towards strategic change,
concluded Votel.Recall that relations between Washington and Islamabad deteriorated at the end of 2017, after the promulgation of a new US strategy in South Asia and Afghanistan. Then the Pakistani authorities were accused of supporting radical groups that act against the military forces of the United States and its allies in Afghanistan.
Information