Lugar: Hands Off Iran, For Now

(AP)

The ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee sees no reason for the United States to intervene in the Iranian presidential election dispute at this time.

"Our position is to allow the Iranians to work out their situation," Richard Lugar, R-Ind., told The Early Show Tuesday.

Iran's powerful Guardian Council said Tuesday it could order limited vote recounts in the contest between President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who reportedly won in a landslide, and opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi.

Asked if this was a sign of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's grip on Iran slipping, Lugar said the Ayatollah was more likely recognizing the frustration of the country's youth.

"Lightening up may be useful," Lugar said of Khamenei.

You can watch the video of Lugar below:

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