Sharjah 24 – AFP: The United States warned Saturday it was capable of deploying "overwhelming force" in the Middle East as it faced questions about its willingness to use its military power in the region.
Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain's capital that all options would be open if diplomacy fails to halt Iran's nuclear programme, but he was also forced to rebut claims the US has become reluctant to use force.
The Pentagon chief was asked why Washington did not respond to last month's drone-and-artillery attack on a base used by the US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Syria.
"The United States of America maintains the right to defend itself. And we will defend ourselves and our interests, no matter what, at the time and place of our choosing," he replied.
"And let no country, let no individual be mistaken about that. We are committed to defending ourselves and our interests and that includes our partners as well," said Austin.
"And we're also committed to not allowing Iran to get a nuclear weapon."
Iran and world powers are set for talks on November 29 aimed at reviving an accord that placed restrictions on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran has always denied it is seeking nuclear weapons.
Austin said Washington's major goal was to strengthen its "unmatched" alliances in the Middle East, but said military force remained an option with tens of thousands of its troops stationed in the region.
After ending its 20-year occupation of Afghanistan in August, the US is poised to withdraw its combat troops from Iraq by the end of the year.
This month, Iraq's prime minister escaped an assassination attempt two days after security forces clashed with supporters of Iran-backed parties that lost support in recent elections.
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