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In NATO Debut, New Pentagon Chief Aims to 'Internationalize' Iran Effort

Reuters

   WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Tuesday
   he aimed to recruit support from NATO allies for U.S. efforts to deter
   conflict with Iran and "open the door to diplomacy," as he made his
   international debut as Pentagon chief.

   Esper emphasized diplomacy over military action as he briefed reporters
   for the first time since taking the helm of the U.S. military on
   Monday. The former Army secretary was thrust into the position after
   the surprise resignation of Patrick Shanahan as acting defense
   secretary the previous week.

   Ahead of talks with European defense ministers, Esper said he would
   tell allies that the United States was not seeking war with Iran.

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