The CIA has reportedly found no conclusive evidence Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. In a new article for The New Yorker magazine, investigative journalist Seymour Hersh reports a secret CIA draft assessment has challenged White House assumptions on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and complicated efforts to build momentum for a military strike. A former senior intelligence official said Vice President Dick Cheney is leading the charge to discount the CIA’s view. The official said, “They’re not looking for a smoking gun. They’re looking for the degree of comfort level they think they need to accomplish the mission.” Cheney is also said to have told a White House meeting one month before the midterm elections a Democratic victory would have little effect on the administration’s decision to go to war. Just last week, Israel’s outgoing ambassador to the U.S., Danny Ayalon, told an Israeli newspaper President Bush will not hesitate to use force to stop Iran’s nuclear activities.