Israel Matzav

US decided not to strike Iran

Middle East Newsline is reporting that barring 'catastrophic' developments, the United States has decided not to strike Iran's nuclear facilities during the remainder of President Bush's term in office:

Administration sources said President George Bush has decided that barring a "catastrophic development," the United States would not attack Iran. The sources said the administration has been relaying the decision to U.S. allies in the Middle East.

"The United States has decided that Iran's cooperation was needed for a withdrawal from Iraq," an administration source said. "There won't be a situation where there will be cooperation and then war with Iran."

The sources said the administration plans to discuss its decision with Israel during their annual strategic dialogue, which takes place on Wednesday in Washington. The Israeli delegation would be headed by Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, a former defense minister and military chief of staff. Mofaz was scheduled to meet Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other senior administration officials.

I wonder if a threatened Israeli strike would be considered a 'catastrophic development.' The problem is that the US controls the air space over Iraq, and Israel pretty much has to go through Iraq to pull off a strike against Iran.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:13 PM