Don’t test US resolve: Robert Gates

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates warned America’s enemies against trying to take advantage of the early months of the new Washington administration to test US resolve.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates warned America’s enemies on Saturday against trying to take advantage of the early months of the new Washington administration to test US resolve.

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Gates also said the US would stay deeply involved in West Asia and the Gulf under Barack Obama’s administration.

“I can assure you that a change in administration does not alter our fundamental interests, especially in the Middle East,” he told a regional security conference in Bahrain.

Asked about Iran, he said the US was not seeking to oust the country’s leaders but did want to see a change in Iranian policies. “Nobody is after a regime change in Iran. What we're after is a change in policies and a change in behaviour,” Gates said.