Mullen acknowledges possibility of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons

Washington, July 8(ANI): Admiral Michael Mullen, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), has acknowledged the possibility of Iran succeeding in acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Admiral Mullen acknowledged this while addressing the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Tuesday.

"I believe Iran is very focused on developing this capability, and I think when they get it, or should they get it, it will be very destabilizing," The Jerusalem Post quoted Admiral Mullen, as saying.

Admiral Mullen also highlighted that an attack on Iran would be similarly destabilizing.

"There are unintended consequences that are very difficult to predict in a very volatile, highly volatile part of the world," he added.

He specifically warned about the consequences of any step taken by both countries, indicating retaliatory violence spreading throughout the region and potentially to other parts of the world.

He backed the President Obama's approach of holding talks with Iran, but refused to rule out the use of military strikes despite potential negative effects.

"There is a great deal that certainly depends on the dialogue and the engagement, and I think we need to do that with all options remaining on the table, including, certainly, military options," Admiral Mullen said.

Estimating that Iran would take one to three years to develop a nuclear weapon, he warned that the time window is closing and that the clock is ticking. (ANI)