U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday that recent advances in Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs had U.S. officials increasingly concerned. “Our concern about the nature of the Iran problem has continued to rise as they continue to make further progress in enriching uranium and also as they have enjoyed some success in their missile field.”
“Our concern with Iran, with Iran’s programs – and I believe I can say also Israel’s concern – has continued to grow, given the unwillingness of the Iranians to slow, stop or even indicate a willingness to talk about their programs,” Gates said.