The United States has no plans to attack Iran and its beefed-up naval presence in the Gulf region is meant to keep the area peaceful, the chief of US naval operations said Monday. Admiral Michael Mullen, who is in Pakistan for talks with officials, said efforts are focused on a diplomatic solution to resolve the ongoing row over Tehran's nuclear programme.
"There is no plan for an attack on Iran," Mullen told reporters after the talks. "We've had a strong naval presence in this part of the world for many, many decades. We recently added some ships that are meant to provide reassurances to our friends, to show continued commitment to the area," Mullen said.
"This is a vital region and the goal is to provide the strength and stability that we need to ensure that it remains quiet and peaceful. "So there is absolutely no plan that I am aware of that involves an attack on Iran." The US has two aircraft carriers in the Gulf, the highest level US naval presence in the strategic oil-shipping channel since the US invasion of Iraq in March 2003.
Meanwhile the US naval chief said that the "biggest challenge" facing US forces remained the fight against terrorism, and strongly defended his country's alliance with Pakistan.
"The biggest challenge that we are in at this time is the global war on terror which will last, I believe, for decades. It will not be short-term. That is why this partnership and relationship (with Pakistan) is so important," he said. He called Musharraf "a courageous partner in this global war on terror" and said he was "very encouraged" by the Pakistani leader's achievements.
He said his visit was in reciprocity to his Pakistani counterpart's visit to US in January and focused on developing strong, enduring, growing partnership between the two navies. On Pakistan's desire to obtain US warships, he said he had taken the request seriously. However, with no frigates available at present, provision of other equipment including maritime patrolling aircraft would also be considered.
He said computer-based training for Pakistan Navy personnel was another effort by US to strengthen ties between two countries. Admiral Mullen lauded Pakistan's stepping up in efforts of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150), with its Commander Iqbal's strong role in operations carried out in Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea to Kenya.