Mullen: Iran will continue to strive for nuclear weapons despite any new sanctions

Mullen: Iran will continue to strive for nukes

ASPEN, Colo. — Adm. Mike Mullen says he believes Iran will continue to pursue nuclear weapons, even if sanctions against the country are increased.

Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said it would be “incredibly dangerous” for Iran to achieve nuclear weapons, and that there’s “no reason to trust” Iran’s assurances that it is only pursuing a peaceful nuclear program.

But he says a military strike against Iran would be “incredibly destabilizing” to the region, and that he believes U.S. ally Israel understands that.

CIA Director Leon Panetta says Iran likely has enough nuclear material to make two weapons, but is at least a year away from such an achievement.