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US Department of Defense: A military strike against Iran could have unintended consequences

11 November 2011 12:00 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. A military strike against Iran could have unintended consequences, said US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. He said it would only delay Iran’s nuclear efforts. He added that it could have a serious impact on US forces in the region.
Leon Panetta said he supported the use of "the toughest sanctions - economic, diplomatic pressures - on Iran to change their behaviour".

Department of State spokesman Mark Toner also made a similar statement.
Toner said that the US would consider all opportunities to reinforce the sanctions on Iran. He said Iranâ€™s nuclear program caused concern of the G6 countries and Russia.

The statements of the US officials followed the report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency on Iranâ€™s nuclear program on November 8. The report for the first time says that Iran is conducting studies concerning the nuclear weapons and has all necessary resources for it.

Tehran says the nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. Prior to the release of the report, Israeli government had issued a severe statement. Tel-Aviv said methods of diplomatic pressure on Iran had exhausted, military operation could be launched against the country unilaterally.