US military denies seeking nod for Iran operation

[Moin91]

LONDON: Top US commander in Iraq General David Petraeus says he has no doubt that Iran is giving "lethal" support to Iraqi militias, but he has not sought to stop it by launching military operations inside Iran.

Speaking at a press conference in London with US ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, General Petraeus told reporters that he hoped instead that Iran would eventually play a constructive role across the border.

"There is no question about the very lethal and damaging impact of the Iranian activity and support for these militias," General Petraeus said on his return to Baghdad after testifying to US Congress last week about Iraq's future.

Echoing testimony in Washington, General Petraeus said there was clear evidence that Iran was training militias and giving them weapons, including rockets and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that have killed many allied troops.

When asked about the prospect of US military operations in Iran, General Petraeus replied: "I certainly have not sought authorisation to cross the border into Iran. We have our hands full in Iraq".

He added that US-led coalition forces were focused inside Iraq on blocking the alleged flow of weapons and militiamen heading from training camps in Iran.

"We're waiting to see some reduction in that activity," he said.


US military denies seeking nod for Iran operation