British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has agreed to support US air
strikes against Iran if the Islamic country orchestrates
large-scale attacks by militants against British or American forces
in Iraq, a British newspaper said on Sunday.
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According to The Sunday Telegraph, Brown has been
informed of US plans to launch limited air and special forces raids
against Revolutionary Guard bases, senior Pentagon officials was
quoted as saying.
After talks with US President George W. Bush during his visit in
July, Brown indicated that Britain was "on board" for a military
response -- but only if Iran was proved to be behind a big militant
attack or another stunt similar to the kidnapping of British
sailors in March, said the report.
According to the report, the US wanted Britain's Special Air
Service Regiment to take part in special forces raids inside Iran
and had requested help from the Royal Navy to combat Iranian
retaliation in the Gulf. But no decisions have been made.
Brown made clear to Bush that he would not support a campaign to
destroy Iran's nuclear program and bring about regime change in
Tehran. But Pentagon officials said he did indicate he would be
prepared to back strikes in certain circumstances.
"The British understand there's a possible need to strike -- not
strategic bombing of nuclear sites but facilities in Iran in
support of Iraqi elements. This understanding was reached shortly
after Brown took office." said Vincent Cannistraro, a former White
House intelligence chief in close contact with senior Pentagon
officials.
A Downing Street spokesman said, "While we won't comment on the
specifics of conversations between the Prime Minister and the
President of the United States, this is not a version of events we
recognize."
(Xinhua News Agency October 8, 2007)
