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Iran Poses the Most Significant Threat to U.S. Central Command
(U.S. Defense Department) Lisa Ferdinando - Iran poses the most significant threat to U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility, Centcom commander Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel told the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Centcom has dealt with a number of significant challenges over the past 12 months, including in Iraq and Syria, Pakistan, Yemen, Egypt and the Sinai, and the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, he said. "We are also dealing with a range of malign activities perpetrated by Iran and its proxies operating in the region....It is my view that Iran poses the greatest long-term threat to stability for this part of the world....The threats in this region continue to pose the most direct threat to the U.S. homeland and the global economy." Violent extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are taking advantage of the fragile security environment, Votel explained. "These groups have clearly indicated their desire and intent to attack the U.S. homeland, our interests abroad and the interest of our partners and allies."