The United States said Thursday Iran needs to change its behavior in order for any possible reduction of U.S. pressure on the country.
"The only incentive that would be offered to the Iranians would be a reduction, a diminishment of that pressure if they were to change their behavior, if they were to abandon their pursuit of a nuclear program and stop destabilizing the region in which they live," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the rest of the administration have been trying to "find ways to increase the pressure on the Iranian government to change their behavior," Morrell said.
Morrell was trying to clarify the remarks of Gates, who said Wednesday that the United States should construct a combination of incentives and pressure to engage Iran.
"We needs to figure out a way to develop some leverage ... and then sit down and talk with them," Gates said.
The United States has repeatedly accused Iran of supporting the militants in Iraq to fight against the U.S.-led coalition army. However, Iran has denied the charges and said the United States is trying to find excuses for its failure in Iraq.
Moreover, the United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program. Iran has denied U.S. charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Source:Xinhua
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