Bush slams Iran on terror

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-14-2008 09:14

US President George W. Bush says Iran is the world's "leading state sponsor of terror".

He made the accusation during a policy speech in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

U.S. President George W. Bush gives a  speech at the Emirates Palace Hotel in  Abu Dhabi Jan. 13, 2008.  (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The US President blasted Iran with charges of supporting Hezbollah, Hamas and Taliban, Al-Qaida and its affiliates as well as extremist Shiites in Iraq.

Bush said the Islamic Republic is defying the UN and destabilizing the region by refusing to be open about its nuclear program.

George W. Bush, US President, said, "Iran's actions threaten the security of nations everywhere. So the US is strengthening our longstanding security commitments with our friends in the Gulf and rallying friends around the world to confront this danger before it is too late."

Gulf allies are jittery after a January 6th confrontation between US and Iranian naval vessels off their shores, but seek assurance that Bush doesn't want war.

Any attack on Iran could bring retaliation against military bases on Arab soil or choke the lucrative oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Bush earlier met with his UAE counterpart Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

Bush is seeking support for his Mideast policy from the four oil-rich Gulf Arab allies of the US. He's already visited Kuwait and Bahrain, and will next head to Saudi Arabia.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei