America labeled Iran’s ongoing military exercise a “provocation”, stating that the decision to hold the military maneuvers at this time does not contribute to the peace-making efforts sought by the US and other countries.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman called the military exercise “troublesome”, stating the combination of this latest “show-of-force operation” with ongoing nuclear enrichment efforts paints a picture that is cause for concern. He stressed that America has been focusing on diplomatic efforts to reach agreement with Iran but in the face of failure in the diplomatic arena, he asked rhetorically what the next steps would be.

In a statement displaying unparalleled insight, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stated she does not believe Tehran will persuade the USA or other nations that is nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The secretary’s message follows endless warnings from Israeli intelligence and government officials, which have seemingly not succeeded in compelling the White House to take a harder-line approach with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In Europe, European Union Foreign Minister Javier Solana expressed his discomfort with the military operations, stating the situation concerning Iran must be resolved.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)