WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday that the United States has no plan to go to war with Iran, but is determined to stop Iran's involvement in Iraq.

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (L) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace hold a question and answer session at the Pentagon, Feb. 2, 2007. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Gates told reporters at a Pentagon briefing that the latest U.S.move to place another aircraft combat group in the Gulf region does not mean the United States is planning a war with Iran.

    Rather, the move is to show that the country is committed to the stability of the region, he said.

    However, Gates noted that the country is determined to curb Iran's influence in Iraq.

    His comments came as the Bush administration has been taking an increasingly tough stance against what it alleges is Iranian meddling in sectarian violence in Iraq.

    Last week, the White House confirmed that the president had authorized U.S. troops to take action against Iranian agents in Iraq who present threats.

    On Tuesday, U.S. President George W. Bush vowed to crack down on those who supply Iraqi insurgents with arms, though he denied any plans to invade Iran.