28/10/2013 00:00
TW
0
By RAY FLEMING THE sweeping new sanctions against Iran announced by the United States yesterday were characterised by the State Department as “in no way, shape or form an anticipation of the use of force against Iran”. That may be the State Department's official position but all the indications from the White House where Vice President Cheney calls the shots are that military action against Iran is no longer merely “one of the options on the table” but a course very seriously under consideration. Last week Mr Cheney warned of “serious consequences” if Iran does not stop enriching uranium; the United States, he said, would “not permit Iran to get nuclear weapons”.

Last week President Bush asked Congress for extra emergency funds of 46 billion dollars before Christmas, and did so with the family of a US Marine killed in Iraq at his side. But it was a single sentence in Mr Bush's request that caught the attention of knowledgeable observers; this referred to funds for “upgrading the B-2 stealth bomber”.

Experts think this refers to enabling the stealth bombers to carry 30-tonne satellite-guided “bunker-busting” bombs which would be capable of penetrating Iran's underground nuclear plants. The aircraft would be based on Diego Garcia, the British Indian Ocean island was ceded to the US some years ago in controversial circumstances. A strike against Iran before Mr Bush leaves office is thought increasingly likely by investigative journalists with access to confidential military and diplomatic briefings.