Mullen: Iran jeopardizing peace in Iraq

Associated Press

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The top uniformed U.S. military officer says Iran is directly jeopardizing peace in Iraq.

The assessment by chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen today to a Senate panel brought fresh calls for the U.S. to pursue diplomatic talks with Tehran.

Pennsylvania Republican Arlen Specter says if the government refuses to engage Iran, it could miss a "great opportunity to avoid a future conflict."

The U.S. has accused Iran of trying to develop a nuclear weapon, supporting terrorist groups and encouraging violence in Iraq by providing weapons and other material aid to Shiite militants there.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the panel that he supports sitting down with officials from Tehran, but only after the U.S. has developed significant leverage.