US President Barack Obama's national security adviser is citing a heightened risk that Iran will respond to growing pressure over its nuclear program by stoking violence against Israel.
Theadviser, retired Marine Gen. James Jones, said history shows that whenregimes are feeling pressure they can lash out through surrogates.
He said that in Iran's case that would mean facilitating attacks on Israel through Hizbullah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Iran helps arm Hizbullah and Hamas.
Jones also alluded to the prospect of additional international sanctions being applied to Iran as one factor in making Iranfeel greater pressure. He said another factor is internal pressure — anapparent reference to street protests against the Iranian leadershipover the disputed presidential election June 12.