'Washington covets Iran's wealth'

PRESS TV - The United States is trying to launch a military strike against Iran in order to reach the country's rich oil and gas resources, a political analyst says.

"The business of America is war. Waging them alone matters," Stephen Lendman wrote in an article published in Global Research website on Monday.

 

"Iran is hugely important. It has about 10 percent of proved world oil reserves. It's second only to Russia in gas resources with about 33 trillion cubic meters. In fact, after a potentially huge new Caspian Sea discovery, it may rank first," he added.

 

The author said Washington wants to dominate countries in the Middle East and North Africa in an economic competition with its rivals Russia and China.

 

"Washington covets Iran's mineral wealth to control its supply, price, what nations get access in what amounts, and which ones don't. Regionally, Iran's the remaining crown jewel," Lendman wrote.

 

He pointed out to recent threats by President Barack Obama that the US will continue pressuring Iran with "no options off the table."

 

"One of them is war. Battleground belligerence could rage across the entire Mediterranean Basin through Central Asia to Russia and China's borders," Lendman said.

 

"As a result, general war may follow. America's key rivals may enter. Their interests very much are at stake. Nuclear weapons could be used," the analyst concluded.

 

The US and its key ally Israel have repeatedly threatened Iran with the "option" of a military strike, based on the allegation that Iran's nuclear program may consist of a covert military aspect.