Chuck Hagel, President Obama’s nominee for secretary of defense, reassured lawmakers Wednesday that if confirmed the American military would strike Iran if necessary, Reuters reports, a point of concern about his nomination, particularly among Republicans.
Before his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday, the former Nebraska senator handed in written responses to a long list of questions from lawmakers.
Hagel’s views were detailed in 112 pages of written responses to wide-ranging questions by lawmakers submitted ahead of his confirmation hearing on Thursday…
“If confirmed, I will focus intently on ensuring that (the) U.S. military is in fact prepared for any contingency,” Hagel wrote, according to a copy of the questions and answers obtained by Reuters.
“While there is time and space for diplomacy, backed by pressure, the window is closing. Iran needs to demonstrate it is prepared to negotiate seriously.”
