Is the U.S. Gearing for a War with Iran

Senators from both sides of the aisle are already making clear their viewpoints and possible standpoint on a potential war with Iran. With continued disgust over President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq, Senators are warning that it would be in President Bush's best interests to actually work with Iran on the situation in Iraq. Both Republican and Democratic Senators are strongly suggesting that President Bush engage in diplomatic talks with Iran. Iran is Iraq's neighbor in the Middle East, and it would be in Iran's interest to become involved with Iraq. Engaging in diplomatic talks with Iran could also serve to be in the United States best interests because it might reveal Iran's intentions for Iraq.

Confirmation hearings for John Negroponte for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's deputy, are taking place in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, who are expected to confirm Negroponte later this week. Senators from both parties are using the confirmation hearing of Negroponte to express concerns over Iran. Senator Barack Obama, a Democratic candidate for President, used his position on the committee to make clear his sentiments about Iran. Obama expressed concern that the United States will enter into hostilities before the avenues of diplomacy have been explored. Obama citing the Bush administrations' handling of the situation in Iraq, stated he would be among those Senators who will ask for clarity before any action with Iran. Obama was referring to the unreliable intelligence that the Bush administration relied on for the invasion of Iraq. Senator Chuck Hagel, a possible Republican candidate for President, also weighed in on the issue of Iran. Hagel wanted Negroponte to go on record about whether there was a possibility of a military confrontation with Iran. Negroponte replied that it's a possibility.

The Senate wanted to go on record about the growing situation with Iran, about Iran's defiance toward the U.N. Security Council and their policy towards their nuclear program. Concerns are mounting over Iran's intent in the Middle East. It is no secret that Iran wants to limit the United States influence in the Middle East. American officials are noting that Iran has not been helpful in Iraq. Some even suspect that it is Iran that is backing the insurgencies in Iraq. Navy Admiral William Fallon has even stated that it would serve the United States interest to pay close attention to Iran, especially as Iran increases its military strength in the region. Admiral Fallon wants to see how helpful Iran can be with Iraq.

Meanwhile, President Bush has claimed, that even though his administration is paying close attention to Iraq, he made it clear that invading Iran is not an option as of yet. President Bush also made it clear that there would be an American reaction if Iran increases its military might in the region and threatens American lives. President Bush is also expressing concern over any intelligence received concerning Iran. Even though he used faulty intelligence to invade Iraq. President Bush is treating the issue of Iran with caution, but only time will tell if he heeds his own warnings about invading Iran.