U.S Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) speaks with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (R) as they make their way to a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Jan. 15, 2007. (Xinhua Photo/Xu Jinquan) Photo Gallery >>>

    BRUSSELS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The new U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Monday was tough on Iran, indicating that it is not the right time to engage with the Islamic republic.

    "The Iranians are acting in a very negative way in many respects," he told reporters after a meeting here with NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

    "The opportunity is there for engagement. But I would say the initiative rests with the Iranians."

    In reference of a recent decision to deploy ballistic missiles and a second aircraft carrier in the Gulf region, Gates said the deployment was reaffirmation of the importance of the region to the United States and that his country would have military presence in the area for a long time to come.

    "We are simply reaffirming that statement of the importance of the Gulf region to the United States and our determination to be an ongoing strong presence in that area for a long time in the future," he said.

    Stability in the Gulf region is in "long-term, strategic, vital interests" of the United States, he added.

    Gates is on his first trip to the NATO headquarters after he took over as the new secretary of defense last month.