Pompeo says discussed challenges in Iran with US generals

WASHINGTON, June 18 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that he spoke about the challenges in Iran with the US generals during his visit to CENTCOM in Tampa, Florida.
In remarks to reporters, Pompeo said that one of the purposes of visit is to make sure that the State Department and Pentagon were "deeply coordinated across a whole broad range of issues." He noted that they discussed the recent decision by Pentagon to move 1,000 additional troops to the Middle East "to make sure we're in the position to do the right things which is to continue to work to convince the Islamic Republic of Iran that we are serious and to deter them from further aggression in the region." He stressed that 40 years of Iranian activity has led the US to this point and that "to re-establish deterrence is a challenge but one that the Trump Administration is up to." He reiterated that President Donald Trump does not want war and "we will continue to communicate that message while doing the things that are necessary to protect American interests in the region." He affirmed "we will continue to work with partners" to deal with Iran, reiterating that Iran continues to engage in malign activities. (end) si.sd