Jerusalem, July 6, 2008 - Former U.S. Director of Intelligence Prof. Anthony Cordesman today denied that the United States is set to strike Iran, claiming that it is instead seeking diplomatic avenues.

Speaking at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he said, "In terms of U.S. strikes on Iran, we have a contingency plan for virtually anything. And in this case, are we going to constantly have the ability to execute some kind of strike plan against Iran's missiles and weapons of mass destruction including its nuclear facilities? Yes. Are we about to execute it? No!"

He said that the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State had all backed that up. "I think we are contemplating to do exactly what we said we are doing – which is to try to pursue diplomatic options."

He explained that the United States does not see this as an urgent crisis in terms of Iran rapidly acquiring weapons or effective delivery systems. "If that assessment changes, "he said, pointing out that this differs from some Israeli experts, "then our timing might change." He continued, "I suspect that is going to be an issue for President Obama or President McCain."

Prof. Cordesman was speaking at an event hosted by the Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.

Formerly the National Security Assistant to Senator John McCain at the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Cordesman is currently the Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington D.C. and serves as national security analyst for ABC News.

For further information, contact:

Rebecca Zeffert, Dept. of Media Relations, the Hebrew University, tel: 02-588-1641, cell: 054-882-0661

or Orit Sulitzeanu, Hebrew University spokesperson, tel: 02-5882910, cell: 054-882-0016. 

Internet site: http://media.huji.ac.il