U.S. Ramps Up Warnings On Iran Strike Risks, Says Strike May ‘Consume The Mideast’ In Conflict

[Purveyor]

By Phil Stewart and Mark Hosenball
Reuters WASHINGTON

The United States has pointedly ramped up its public warnings over the last few weeks about the risks of military action against Iran, accompanied by private words of caution to Israel, which sees Tehran’s nuclear push as a direct threat.

But so far, at least, comments by U.S. and Israeli officials suggest that Washington's private lobbying has yet to convince Israeli hard-liners and even some moderates that alternatives, like sanctions and diplomatic pressure, will ultimately succeed in curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

It is unclear whether the differing views are any indication about whether Israel might be moving closer to a go-it-alone military strike, an option Tel Aviv has ruled out for the moment. Indeed, that may ultimately not be the case.

Rhetoric has periodically escalated over the years, often bolstering pushes - like the present one - for tougher sanctions against Iran.

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http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/12/05/180904.html

[TheWraith]

1. Crap, I accidentally hit unrec when I meant to rec. Can someone balance it out for me? nt

[yodermon]

2. up to +5 for ya n/t

[TheWraith]

3. Much appreciated, thanks! nt