US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will argue today that the Middle East faces a shared threat from Iran and should act collectively to counter Iranian activities in the Gulf.
In a speech to a security conference in Bahrain, the Pentagon chief is set to declare the US intention to maintain a long-term military presence in the Gulf, according to defence officials travelling with Gates.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates will argue today that the Middle East faces a shared threat from Iran and should act collectively to counter Iranian activities in the Gulf.
In a speech to a security conference in Bahrain, the Pentagon chief is set to declare the US intention to maintain a long-term military presence in the Gulf, according to defence officials travelling with Gates.
The Pentagon says it considers much of Iran's military activities a threat to the US and its allies in the region as well as the global oil market.
Washington also accuses Iran of funding, training and arming Shi'ite militias in Iraq.
"Their behaviour has really been a problem and to the extent that it destabilises the region, which it does, then it becomes a problem for us," said Adm William Fallon, commander of US Central Command, responsible for US military activities in the Middle East.
Another senior US official said Gates would talk about possibilities for shared activities among countries in the Gulf.
