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CNN: LOU DOBBS TONIGHT March 10, 2006

Iran

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DOBBS: Tonight the Bush administration is confronting the growing nuclear threat from Iran. Bush officials this week called Iran this nation's number one foreign policy threat. Iranian officials are responding with threats against the United States.

Kitty Pilgrim reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KITTY PILGRIM, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Friday prayers in Tehran after a week of threats and belligerence. Today President Bush answered back.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The Iranian president has stated his desire to destroy our ally Israel. So when you start listening to what he has said to their desire to develop a nuclear weapon, then you begin to see an issue of grave national security concern.

PILGRIM: This week U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice pointed clearly at Iran as the enemy.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, SECRETARY OF STATE: We may face no greater challenge from a single country than from Iran.

PILGRIM: U.S. diplomats signalled they were out of patience.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The 30 days are up. We believe next Monday or Tuesday the United Nations Security Council will begin a very active debate about Iran's nuclear ambitions.

PILGRIM: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei this week said the Iranian people would, quote, "resist any pressure and threat." But it is Iran that has been leveling threats.

JAVAD VAEEDI, IRANIAN DEPUTY NUCLEAR NEGOTIATOR: The United States may have the power to cause harm and pain. But it is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if the United States wishes to choose that path, let the ball roll.

PILGRIM: Regional analysts say Iran could initiate attacks in Iraq against U.S. forces. A military strike against Iran is not under active discussion in the world community. But some say it's not entirely out of the question.

JOHN PIKE, GLOBALSECURITY.ORG: The Israelis for the last 15 years have been modernizing their air force in order to give them the ability to strike targets in Iran. The primary requirement for all their new airplanes that they've been buying is that they be able to fly unrefueled to the distance of these targets in Iran and return safely to Israel.

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PILGRIM: Now, the United States and the European community are insisting that Iran stop its nuclear activities. Russia and China still saying sanctions are not under consideration. That showdown will come next week at the United Nations -- Lou.

DOBBS: Kitty, thank you, Kitty Pilgrim.

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