The Hindu : International : U.S. ponders naval build-up in Gulf

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Friday, Dec 22, 2006
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U.S. ponders naval build-up in Gulf

Suzanne Goldenberg

Pentagon to despatch one more aircraft carrier to the region as a warning to Iran

Washington: The Bush administration is weighing options for a naval build-up in the Gulf as a show of force and a warning to Iran on its defiant nuclear programme and its support for Shia militias in Iraq.

Under the proposed build-up, first reported by CBS television, the Pentagon would send an aircraft carrier to join one already in the region. The proposed deployment was described as a message to Tehran not to take provocative steps.

The idea of sending a second aircraft carrier to the Gulf was raised earlier this month by the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, General John Abizaid. But it also comes amid mounting pressure from Saudi Arabia against a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq.

Pentagon officials were considering Gen. Abizaid's request, but few other details were immediately available. A Pentagon spokesman said there would be no comment on military movements.

Stronger posture

The Pentagon has been considering such a build-up for some time, a defence official said. The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D Eisenhower has been in the region since September, along with four other ships and submarines carrying 6,500 sailors. Military experts said the navy could move other carriers into the region within six weeks. Reports that the U.S. is leaning towards an even stronger posture against Iran reflects indications that Washington wants to deepen its military presence in the region.

It follows warnings from Saudi Arabia that it would fund Sunni militias in Iraq if U.S. troops withdrew.

President George W. Bush has yet to unveil his new strategy for Iraq, postponing a planned policy address on the war to the New Year. —

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