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White House softens Iran tone
The administration tries to assure the public and lawmakers that it isn't planning a second war in the Middle East.
By Julian E. Barnes and Solomon Moore LA Times Staff Writers January 13, 2007 WASHINGTON —
The Bush administration sought to assure lawmakers and the public Friday that despite harsh new rhetoric, it did not intend to go to war with Iran, even as U.S. sources charged that Iranians captured in Irbil, Iraq, were suspected members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards.President Bush accused Iran in a speech this week of helping launch attacks against U.S. troops in Iraq. His remarks were followed by combative comments from his top war advisors, new moves by U.S. naval forces and a raid Thursday in the Kurdish-controlled city of Irbil.The administration moved Friday to defuse concerns that it was planning or inviting a confrontation with Tehran. At a news conference, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow dismissed as an "urban legend" suggestions that the United States was preparing for another war. Similar denials were issued by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.But other U.S. officials pressed the case that the Islamic Republic was helping foment violence in neighboring Iraq.One Western official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, charged that the Iranians ... full text
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