Dempsey: I don't want to be complicit in Israeli strike

Chairman of joint chiefs of staff tells reporters in London he does not want to be 'complicit' if Israel decides to strike Iran's nuclear facilities – an attack which he believes won't stop Tehran's nuclear program

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey continues his efforts to prevent an Israeli strike in Iran. Reiterating his stance that the IDF cannot stop Iran's nuclear program, Dempsey added, "I don't want to be complicit if they (Israel) choose to do it."

 

Two weeks ago, the US general stressed that an Israeli strike against Iran's nuclear facilities could only delay its nuclear program. On Thursday, he adopted even tougher rhetoric, telling Britain's The Guardian that an attack would "clearly delay but probably not destroy Iran's nuclear program".

 

Related stories:

• IAEA: Iran doubles underground nuclear capacity
• Dempsey: US feels no pressure to back strike
• US: Israel can't destroy Iran's nuclear program

 

Dempsey said he did not know Iran's nuclear intentions, but noted that what was clear was that the "international coalition" applying pressure on Iran "could be undone if (Iran) was attacked prematurely".

 

Sanctions against Iran were having an effect, and they should be given a reasonable opportunity to succeed, he said.

 

• Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter

 

• Receive Ynetnews updates directly to your desktop