Washington: A top US general on Sunday warned
Iran that it has developed a variety of "contingency plans"
apart from diplomacy and sanctions to deal with its nuclear
facilities, emphasising that they "can be bombed."
Gen. David Petraeus, head of US Central Command, in-
charge of the Gulf region did not elaborate on the plans but
he said the Pentagon has considered the impacts of any action
taken there.
"It would be almost literally irresponsible if CENTCOM
were not to have been thinking about the various `what ifs`
and to make plans for a whole variety of different
contingencies," Petraeus was quoted as saying by CNN.
Iran`s nuclear programme has become a thorn for the
United States and its allies. Tehran maintains the programme
is for peaceful purposes, but Washington and other Western
nations fear Iran wants to acquire nuclear weapons.
Israel has called Iran`s nuclear programme the major
threat facing its nation.
When asked about rumours that Israel could attack
Iran`s facilities, Petraeus declined to comment about Israel`s
military capabilities. But when asked about the vulnerability
of the facilities, Petraeus said Iran has strengthened the
facilities and has enhanced underground tunnels.
Still, the facilities are not bomb-proof.
"Well, they certainly can be bombed," he said. "The
level of effect would vary with who it is that carries it out,
what ordnance they have, and what capability they can bring to
bear."
PTI
