WASHINGTON, Dec 5: US defence secretary nominee Robert Gates admitted on Tuesday the United States is not winning the war in Iraq, and said he was open to all options to stop the conflict spiralling into regional chaos.

Mr Gates also cautioned against any attack on Iran expect as an “absolute last resort” and also came out against a strike against Syria.

“Mr Gates, do you believe that we are currently winning in Iraq?” asked Democrat Senator Carl Levin early in his Senate confirmation hearing.

“No, Sir,” replied Gates, in remarks which contrasted sharply with Bush's own comment in a press conference on October 25, that “we're winning and we will win” in Iraq.

Mr Gates also said any military operation against Iran, with which Washington is locked in a nuclear showdown, would have a “dramatic” impact on US security.

“Military action against Iran would be an absolute last resort,” Mr Gates said when questioned by Democratic Senator Robert Byrd.

“We have seen in Iraq that once war is unleashed it becomes unpredictable, the consequences of a military conflict with Iran could be quite dramatic,” he said. “Therefore, I would counsel against military action except as a last resort.” Asked by Byrd whether he would endorse an attack against another US foe, Syria, he said: “No, Sir.” The hearing opened a critical week for US policy on Iraq, as the long-awaited report by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group on US strategic options in the conflict was due to be made public on Wednesday.

Though he said he was open to change in strategy in Iraq, Mr Gates stressed the final decision would rest with Bush, the commander in chief of US armed forces.

“Of course, it is the president who will decide what, if any, changes are made in our approach,” Mr Gates, said in his opening statement.—AFP