Military buildup underway in Persian Gulf

Malaysia Sun Friday 22nd December, 2006

U.S. and British military forces are circling Iran with a major buildup in the Gulf region.

The escalation comes as a resolution is about to be passed at the United Nations imposing sanctions on Iran.

"Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was expected this week to approve a second aircraft carrier and supporting ships to be stationed within quick sailing distance of Iran by early next year," the New York Times quoted U.S. officials as saying in an article published Thursday.

The article said the officials acknowledged the increased military presence would improve the chances of success of a strike if it came, and could be seen as a provocation to Iran.

Britain's Royal Navy is also sending two mine sweepers to the area.

On Friday, on a visit to Iraq, Gates confirmed the buildup. "There has been an increase in naval strength in the Gulf in the past several weeks," he said.

"I think the message that we are sending to everyone, not just Iran, is that the United States is an enduring presence in this part of the world. We have been here for a long time. We will be here for a long time and everybody needs to remember that - both our friends and those who might consider themselves our adversaries," he added.