President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be the next defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, said Tuesday that Iran remained a "destabilizing element in the region" and that it would be dangerous if the Iranian regime had access to nuclear weapons.
"If Iran were ever to get a nuclear capability, most every problem we deal with in the region would be tougher to deal with because of that," he said.
He also pledged to tackle extremists in the military's own ranks, after some members of the military dressed in civilian clothing took part in the attack on the US Capitol by a pro-Trump mob.
"The activity that we've seen recently in terms of potential racists or extremist behavior within our ranks is in my view absolutely unacceptable," said Austin, a former general who is set to become the first African American to head the Pentagon.
In a hearing of the Senate Armed Forces Committee, Austin promised "to rid our ranks of racists and extremists, and to create a climate where everyone fit and willing has the opportunity to serve this country with dignity."
His comments came as 12 members of the National Guard force deployed to protect Biden's inauguration on Wednesday were removed during a sweep of background checks to root out any members with potential links to extremist groups.
"The job of the Department of Defense is to keep America safe from our enemies. But we can't do that if some of those enemies lie within our own ranks," said Austin, whose nomination has to be confirmed by the Senate.
When asked to name the main threat to the United States, the 67-year-old cited the coronavirus pandemic, followed by China.
He also said he supported a withdrawal from Afghanistan.
"I certainly would like to see this conflict end with a negotiated settlement," he said, while insisting that the US remain focused on "counter-terrorism issues" in the war-torn country.
