A top U.S. intelligence official said Thursday that Iran is unlikely to provoke a military conflict but would respond if attacked. Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess made the comment in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Lt. Gen. Ronald Burgess: “To the West, Iran remains committed to threatening U.S. interests in the region through its support to terrorist and militant groups, including in Iraq and Afghanistan, while it remains committed to strengthening its naval, nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran can close the Straits of Hormuz, at least temporarily, and may launch missiles against United States forces and our allies in the region, if it is attacked. Iran could also attempt to employ terrorist surrogates worldwide. However, the agency assesses Iran is unlikely to initiate or intentionally provoke a conflict.”