World
Marine Corps General Kenneth F. McKenzie briefs the media on March 18, 2022. Photo: screenshot/handout
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Even if the US prevents Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon that will not solve the problem of Iran's ballistic missiles and drones, the commander of US Central Command said on Friday.
Briefing the media, the outgoing Marine Corps General Kenneth F. McKenzie said that “Iran’s ballistic missile threat has continued to advance and expand with greater ranges and accuracy,” adding that this threat also includes cruise missiles and drones.
McKenzie also said that the number one objective of his country is to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon, noting that the best way to achieve this is through a negotiated agreement with Iran.
However, he acknowledged that this does not solve the problem of Iranian ballistic missiles, land cruise missiles and drones. "We need to recognize that; that's a separate problem. But I do like having the ability to take the nuclear option off the table, which has to contribute to regional security.”
Iran and Western countries reached a nuclear deal in 2015 but the US former president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for firing a dozen ballistic missiles on Sunday, hitting several targets on the outskirts of Erbil and injuring two civilians.
The attack was conducted on the basis of targeting a secret Israeli base in the city, an accusation categorically denied by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Briefing the media, the outgoing Marine Corps General Kenneth F. McKenzie said that “Iran’s ballistic missile threat has continued to advance and expand with greater ranges and accuracy,” adding that this threat also includes cruise missiles and drones.
McKenzie also said that the number one objective of his country is to prevent Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon, noting that the best way to achieve this is through a negotiated agreement with Iran.
However, he acknowledged that this does not solve the problem of Iranian ballistic missiles, land cruise missiles and drones. "We need to recognize that; that's a separate problem. But I do like having the ability to take the nuclear option off the table, which has to contribute to regional security.”
Iran and Western countries reached a nuclear deal in 2015 but the US former president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for firing a dozen ballistic missiles on Sunday, hitting several targets on the outskirts of Erbil and injuring two civilians.
The attack was conducted on the basis of targeting a secret Israeli base in the city, an accusation categorically denied by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Comments
Rudaw moderates all comments submitted on our website. We welcome comments which are relevant to the article and encourage further discussion about the issues that matter to you. We also welcome constructive criticism about Rudaw.
To be approved for publication, however, your comments must meet our community guidelines.
We will not tolerate the following: profanity, threats, personal attacks, vulgarity, abuse (such as sexism, racism, homophobia or xenophobia), or commercial or personal promotion.
Comments that do not meet our guidelines will be rejected. Comments are not edited – they are either approved or rejected.
Post a comment