US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told reporters yesterday that
planning for military action with Iran is 'routine'. He dismissed
suggestions that an attack is immanent, but said it is one of the many
scenarios that are planned. Shervin Boloorian, is an independent
Iranian analyst: (sound clip) Meanwhile, US lawmakers are taking
precautions. Assistant Majority Leader, Richard Durbin of Illinois,
introduced legislation that forces the president to ask congress before
any military action is taken against Iran. This comes one day after a
group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives introduced a measure
that would strengthen congress' role in the war powers act. In their
bill the president must also come to congress and provide detailed
reports of military strikes.