US Admiral Warns Iran: We Are Ready Today
The commander of the US Navy base in Bahrain has warned that US forces are prepared for a strike against Iran over the country’s nuclear program.
"We have built a wide range of options to give the president and we are ready... We are ready today," Vice Admiral Mark Fox said at the headquarters of the 5th Fleet in Manama on Sunday.
Fox said he took Iran's military capabilities seriously as it is "capable of striking a blow" to American forces in the Persian Gulf.
The United States has recently intensified its war rhetoric against Iran to put more pressure on the country and stop its peaceful nuclear program. The threats come following the failure of US-led sanctions against Tehran.
US President Barack Obama has repeatedly threatened that all options are on the table regarding Tehran, including a military attack against nuclear facilities.
In an address in January, President Obama said that "America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal.”
Meanwhile, Washington is increasing its military equipment and forces in the Persian Gulf. The oldest American aircraft carrier USS Enterprise is set to join two other US strike groups in the Persian Gulf by March.
Washington and Tel Aviv have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the "option" of a military strike, based on the allegation that Iran's nuclear program may include a covert military aspect.
Iran has categorically refuted the allegations, saying that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
