U.S. Keeps Pre-Emptive Option for Iran, North Korea

The United States continues to view pre-emptive military action as a tool to be considered in dealing with Iran and North Korea, a senior U.S. official said yesterday (see GSN, July 11).

If North Korea opts to maintain its nuclear weapon capability and Iran elects to pursue one, then Washington would consider striking those countries before they attacked the United States or its allies, the official said.

“It’s inevitable that any American administration, not just this administration but future administrations, will have to look at pre-emptive strategies,” the official said. 

Other nations might also consider the option if they were uncertain of Iranian or North Korean intentions.

“Under those circumstances, some people might be inclined to pre-emption, and not just the United States,” the official said.  “Others who might feel threatened in the region might feel more inclined to pre-emption as a defense” (Adrian Croft, Reuters/Washington Post, Nov. 14)

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