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http://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/iran_oil_weapon_attacked/2007/11/18/50434.html
Iran: We're Ready to Act if Attacked
Sunday, November 18, 2007
MANAMA -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday Iran was ready to
respond if attacked, but played down the prospect of war with the United
States.
Ahmadinejad was speaking during a visit to Bahrain which came amid mounting
concerns in the Gulf that the United States could launch military action
against Iran, although Washington says it is committed to a diplomatic
solution to a crisis over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
"We never want any war in this region, but from another front, we have made
all preparations, and if there is any suspicion on this matter, then we are
ready," said Ahmadinejad, speaking through an interpreter.
"I want to confirm again that we don't think there will be a war in the
region," he told reporters, without giving reasons.
Ahmadinejad earlier told Al Arabiya television that the United States had no
political, economic or military grounds for attack, and dismissed the U.S.
military as "shabby."
The West accuses Iran of trying to build a nuclear bomb, but Iran says its
nuclear ambitions are to generate electricity.
In a report on Thursday the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Iran had become more
open in outlining its nuclear activities, but key questions remained
unanswered. Washington says partial disclosure is not enough, and is pushing
for sanctions.
Ahmadinejad challenged labeling the standoff a crisis, and said Iran had
cooperated fully with the nuclear watchdog.
"We do not feel there is a crisis in this region ... or do countries in the
region ... We think the crisis is in Washington," he said.
Ahmadinejad held talks on bilateral, regional and international issues with
Bahraini royals and politicians, he said, but no new initiative to dampen
tensions was announced. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed
al-Khalifa called for more diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia this month proposed to set up a consortium that would provide
Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, but Iran said it would not
halt its own enrichment program.
Gulf Arab countries are among those with the most to lose in the event of a
conflict between Iran and the West, and have consistently warned against any
slide into war.
The Gulf is the world's top oil exporting region, and its economies are
booming on a near five-fold increase in oil prices since 2002.
Ahmadinejad called for greater cooperation with Gulf states to work together
against what he said were U.S. plans to foster tension in the region. He
later left Bahrain to attend an OPEC heads of state summit in the Saudi
capital Riyadh.
Iran: We're Ready to Act if Attacked
Sunday, November 18, 2007
MANAMA -- President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Saturday Iran was ready to
respond if attacked, but played down the prospect of war with the United
States.
Ahmadinejad was speaking during a visit to Bahrain which came amid mounting
concerns in the Gulf that the United States could launch military action
against Iran, although Washington says it is committed to a diplomatic
solution to a crisis over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
"We never want any war in this region, but from another front, we have made
all preparations, and if there is any suspicion on this matter, then we are
ready," said Ahmadinejad, speaking through an interpreter.
"I want to confirm again that we don't think there will be a war in the
region," he told reporters, without giving reasons.
Ahmadinejad earlier told Al Arabiya television that the United States had no
political, economic or military grounds for attack, and dismissed the U.S.
military as "shabby."
The West accuses Iran of trying to build a nuclear bomb, but Iran says its
nuclear ambitions are to generate electricity.
In a report on Thursday the U.N. nuclear watchdog said Iran had become more
open in outlining its nuclear activities, but key questions remained
unanswered. Washington says partial disclosure is not enough, and is pushing
for sanctions.
Ahmadinejad challenged labeling the standoff a crisis, and said Iran had
cooperated fully with the nuclear watchdog.
"We do not feel there is a crisis in this region ... or do countries in the
region ... We think the crisis is in Washington," he said.
Ahmadinejad held talks on bilateral, regional and international issues with
Bahraini royals and politicians, he said, but no new initiative to dampen
tensions was announced. Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed
al-Khalifa called for more diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia this month proposed to set up a consortium that would provide
Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes, but Iran said it would not
halt its own enrichment program.
Gulf Arab countries are among those with the most to lose in the event of a
conflict between Iran and the West, and have consistently warned against any
slide into war.
The Gulf is the world's top oil exporting region, and its economies are
booming on a near five-fold increase in oil prices since 2002.
Ahmadinejad called for greater cooperation with Gulf states to work together
against what he said were U.S. plans to foster tension in the region. He
later left Bahrain to attend an OPEC heads of state summit in the Saudi
capital Riyadh.
