ISLAMABAD, April 16 (RIA Novosti) - The United States has no plans to attack Iran and intends to resolve all problems by diplomatic efforts, the U.S. chief of Naval Operations said Monday.

The United States has reportedly been building up its Air Force and Navy contingent near oil-rich Iran amid fears that Tehran is seeking nuclear weapons, while Russian intelligence experts have even suggested that the U.S. could launch tactical nuclear strikes on the country's underground nuclear sites.

Admiral Michael Mullen, currently in Pakistan, said the U.S. has maintained a military presence in the Persian Gulf for many years in order to guarantee peace and stability in this important region.

"I'm not aware of any plans involving any kind of attack on Iran," Mullen said.

In March the U.S. held a major military exercise off Iran's coast arousing concerns that Washington may strike Tehran in response to the latter's refusal to halt uranium enrichment.