Gates: US not planning war with Iran

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that the decision to send a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf region does not mean the United States is planning for a war with Iran.


Gates told Pentagon reporters the US is trying to stem Iranian involvement in violence by Iraqi insurgents, and said there are continuing concerns about Iran's move toward nuclear power.

But he quickly added that the movement of the carrier is to demonstrate that America is committed to the Gulf region.

He also said that he has not seen any credible proof yet that any Iranians were involved in the ambush last week in Karbala that left five US soldiers dead.

AP