During a recent visit to the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned President George W. Bush and his administration of the rising prospect of war in the Middle East in 2006. With the U.S. expected to withdraw from Iraq that year and Iran becoming increasingly defiant, the concerns are legitimate: “It is the biggest nightmare of [Prime Minister] Ariel Sharon,” a U.S. official said. “He has relayed repeated messages to the administration that Iran and its Arab allies were preparing for war.”

Equipped with satellite photos, Mr. Sharon told Messrs. Bush and Cheney that Iran had nearly reached the point of nuclear weapons capability.

According to U.S. officials, the administration has decided to give the European Union negotiation tactic until the end of this year to provide substantial results.

Once again, the Israeli Prime Minister also requested assurances that his country would continue to receive military support from the U.S. to deter and defend itself against regional threats.

Source: The World Tribune