ABC News April 10, 2006
U.S. contemplates military confrontation with Iran over nuclear program
Amid rumors of an attack against Iran, Bush administrators have said diplomacy is the first choice in dealing with Iran's nuclear program.
"I think it is basically a form of coercive diplomacy to communicate that the U.S. does have military options if the diplomatic track does not succeed," said director of globalsecurity.org, John Pike.
United Nations officials inspected an Iranian nuclear facility Monday. The Iranians claim they're trying to produce electricity, not weapons.
But as Pentagon planners assess military options against Iran, new reports claim they're contemplating using tactical nuclear weapons against fortified underground facilities.
"I can't tell you, nobody can say what's going to happen in the future. But I can just tell you there are people in the Pentagon and people, our allies, the allies involved with us diplomatically, the French, the Germans and the Brits, who don't really know what the President is thinking," said Seymour Hersh of The New Yorker on CNN's "Late Edition."
Analysts warn a military strike would likely trigger a strong response from Iran and other Islamic countries, including terrorist attacks. Last week, Iran conducted two high-profile missile tests.
"We're going to have to be prepared to, in effect, go all the way, whatever that means. And I don't think we should kid ourselves that this can be simply ended by one strike," Retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni.
For that reason, many administration officials want to avoid a military confrontation. The disclosure of Pentagon planning is likely a way to push Tehran to the bargaining table.
"I think it is basically a form of coercive diplomacy to communicate that the U.S. does have military options if the diplomatic track does not succeed," Pike said.
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