US blitz could break Iran in a year, says Republican Gingrich

The new favourite to win the Republican vote to run against President Barack Obama at next year's election today said he supported covert attacks and even a bombing campaign to force a regime change in Iran.

Newt Gingrich claimed that the US could "break Iran in a year" and he would commit troops as well as stopping the sale of fuel to the country and sabotaging refineries. The 68-year-old explained his plans for dealing with Iran's nuclear ambitions during the latest televised debate of Republican candidates. Herman Cain - who had topped polls before sexual harassment claims against him - also said he would support an Israeli military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities but only if he was convinced it would work.

On the subject of US security, the candidates largely agreed on the need to strengthen domestic surveillance and anti-terrorism laws but several warned of the potential threat to civil liberties.

Mr Gingrich said authorities should use "every tool that you can possibly use" to fight terrorism. The debate was six weeks before the first nominating contest, the Iowa caucuses. Mr Gingrich and Mitt Romney currently top the polls.