"This is a matter which has important implications for our policy to deter Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorism," he said today.

The goal was to deter Iran from using its Chinese-made Silkworm missiles, but others were launched almost at once.

Missile defence ostensibly aimed at deterring Iran is seen as another success.

Their reported missions were to deter Iran, gather intelligence, and to potentially land Mossad agents on the Iranian coast.

He also said, "I believe that we have the power to deter Iran, should it become nuclear."

Pentagon officials said tonight that the new policy also was designed to deter Iran from laying more mines in the gulf.

Lyne asks if the Iraq war has deterred Iran.

His aim seems to be a show of force to deter Iran and reassure our allies in the region.

It is not enough for the Administration to hope that its plan would deter Iran from hostile action.

"We want to deter Iran, not expand the war," one official said.