Why the CENTCOM chief says a long-term presence in Syria is not a war-footing against Iran

Military Times: Recent statements from the White House regarding a long-term presence of troops in eastern Syria to counter Iranian influence in the country should not be interpreted as a shift to a war-footing, Pentagon leadership said Thursday.

During a remote press conference, Army Gen. Joseph Votel, the chief of U.S. Central Command, told reporters he doesn’t view the focus against Iranian influence as a signal of an impending conflict.

“I don’t think we’re seeking to go to war with Iran,” Votel said. “I think the president has made it very clear that the Iranian regime needs to cease its destabilizing behavior and policies that spread violence and human misery throughout the Middle East.”

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