and could actually be damaging for the United States as well as for the global economy.
Panetta’s repeated anti-war remarks have received very little attention in the United States or around the world, where speculation that Washington is plotting a war has gone viral in the blogosphere and the non-traditional media.
Panetta, speaking to reporters traveling with him to Canada, said the United States believes the most effective way to confront Iran still is to use diplomatic pressure and sanctions.
“Obviously, to go beyond that [and launch air raids] raises our concerns about the unintended consequences that could result,” Panetta said.
He pointed to a US analysis that a strike on Iran would set back its nuclear program by one or two years at most.
It could also have implications for US forces in the region, he said. Iran has threatened to attack US bases with its missiles if Washington attacks Iran. That is doubted by many analysts, since such an action would likely convert an air attack on Iran into a general war.
“And I have to tell you, thirdly, there are going to be economic consequences to that [air attacks on Iran], that could impact not just on our economy but the world economy,” Panetta said. “So those things all need to be considered.”
“I’ve made those points before and I’ll discuss them again,” Panetta said when asked what message he would deliver to Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, whom Panetta was meeting later in the day.
“The United States feels strongly that the way to deal with that [Iran’s nuclear program] is to work with our allies, to work with the international community to develop the sanctions and the diplomatic efforts that would further isolate Iran,” Panetta said. “That is the most effective way to confront them at this point.”