In September 2012, Clawson suggested that the United States consider the use of "crisis initiation" as a way to provoke Iran into war.

Iraq also wanted to make provoke Iran into doing something that would cause the superpowers to be directly involved in the conflict on the Iraqi side.

But administration officials say those countries are wary of doing so, anxious not to be seen as provoking Iran militarily.

Mr. Bush has said repeatedly that he is not trying to provoke Iran into a confrontation.

But Mr. Bush has denied that he is trying to provoke Iran into a response that would provide a pretext for direct confrontation.

Iraq had been awaiting Saudi permission to build this line for more than a year, but the Saudis hesitated, concerned that the move might provoke Iran.

Officials here said the Persian Gulf nations had asked Iraq to tone down its public statements so as not to appear to provoke Iran unnecessarily.

"West is Provoking Iran"

On July 13, 2008, Al-Kharafi publicly accused the West of "provoking" Iran on the nuclear issue.

"While you want to take care of the situation, you don't want to cause an international incident where you provoke Iran."