Iran test-fired a missile capable of reaching Israel early this morning, as part of war games that escalate the sabre-rattling between the Islamic Republic and the West.
The new version of the Shahab-3 missile was one of nine medium and long-range missiles launched from the desert during wider war gaming in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway off the south of the country through which passes about 40 per cent of the world's oil.
The aim of the test was to "to demonstrate our resolve and might against enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh language," said the air force commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard, General Hoseyn Salami.
Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also tested, and state television reported a total of nine launches, showing footage of three missiles firing simultaneously.
"Our hands are always on the trigger and our missiles are ready for launch," General Salami said. "The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."
Comments
Obama and McCain have already made an answer to your query.
Obama said "sanctions to Iraq".... sounds like Bush.
McCain wants a shield. Can anyone please elaborate this. So much military technical term from my Old Man who doesn't know computer but so good in protecting America.
Posted by: seeker | July 9, 2008 11:43 AM
"enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh language"
Thank you Political Correctness!
Posted by: Nancy Coppock | July 9, 2008 12:05 PM
Actually, Rick, Iran tested not one, but nine ballistic missiles today, including some long range BMs that can reach Eastern Europe, including half of Poland, including my hometown. Yes, I am now personally in the range of Iranian BMs. They can kill me anytime they want until an American missile shield is installed in Poland.
"Jew-Killer missile" - does the Iranian military have missiles named like that?
Posted by: Zbigniew Mazurak | July 9, 2008 01:10 PM
Once again, Iran has proven that the US needs a strong military and needs to spend no less than 6% of GDP on that military. Besides implementing the Global Military Plan http://iflynavy.w.interia.pl/globalmilitaryplan.doc
the USDOD should also give more military planes to the IAF:
http://iflynavy.w.interia.pl/planes.xls
A vote for Obama or Nader is a vote for the Iranian police state.
Posted by: Zbigniew Mazurak | July 9, 2008 01:31 PM
Talk is not cheap, we have been talking to North Korea for 53 years and we still don't know where we are. Ahmadinejad and the Mullah's view talk as time to develop more weapons and a stronger military. At best sending Obama is like sending a kid to do a man's job. What experience has Obama got negotiating in Farsi? Based on his past statements on geography, one would be wise to first ask Obama where Iran really is located.
Posted by: FRS | July 9, 2008 04:35 PM
I pray President Bush orders a massive strike on Iran's nuclear, missile, communication, and air force capabilities. Now is the time to strike. Years of talk has simply allowed Iran to be one step away from becoming a nuclear power. This is something we cannot and must not allow. If we do not stop them, the consequences will be tragic. I have no doubt there will be condemnation of President Bush and the United States, both by liberals in this country and by our enemies and nut cases from around the world. I also have no doubt most world leaders will be thankful for our actions.
Posted by: Bill | July 9, 2008 05:22 PM
Having lived in Europe during 9-11 and seeing the geo-political landscape, I've always said that Europe has more to fear from Iraq/Iran than the US. However, the US has a big fear of a WWII-like request from our Allies. It then becomes important to try and 'nip things in the bud.' Based on Obama's rhetoric, I believe he would end up bumbling us into WWIII. I'm also amazed at how many commentators are 'polishing up' Mr Obama's behavior. Where I come from we call it lying: not cynicism nor flip-flopping. The saddest thing for me is he was born only three years before me - I am ashamed that he is what my generation has to offer for leadership of my country. I sure as he!! will not vote for Obama even though I'm not a McCain fan. This particular election is about life and death, not politics.
Posted by: Bridget | July 9, 2008 06:05 PM
Is there any thinking person who does not shudder at the sight of these missles being test fired? Is there any thinking person that does not know something has to be done to stop their possible use in aggression against another country?
Posted by: Spider from Mars | July 9, 2008 09:44 PM
Sorry to break the party, but did you guys know that Israel conducted a major war excercise in June 2008 as "rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran's nuclear facilities."
Don't believe me, atleast believe your military leaders - "http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/20/america/20iran.php"
Now the whole thing makes sense - doesn't it? Iran was replying to Israel's excercises which the conservatives very gladly took up to bash Obama.
As a neutral guy, it is as fair for Iran to test the missile as it is for Israel to do military excercises targeting Iran.
Please, give the world a break, when you project Israel as a cuddly teddy bear that needs protection from maniacs ...
Posted by: Kalyan | July 10, 2008 01:17 AM
How soon until the missles have a nuclear payload?
Posted by: Frank S. | July 10, 2008 06:57 AM
Dear Kalyan - no one projects Israel as a "cuddly teddy bear." Stay neutral; your neutrality won't change Ahmadinejad's ideology and comments about Israel being annihilated, Israel as a dead corpse, U.S.A. as the Great Satan which will also burn. Israel is seven million surrounded by 500 million enemies, and Israel will destroy Iran as soon as they need to. Iran is just begging for it, these jihadists have no purpose but pursuing death. So stay neutral buddy, go hide under a bed or something.
Posted by: Linda Flemming | July 10, 2008 07:56 AM
Linda - Did you even read what i wrote? I said - If it is fair for Israel to conduct war games, it is fair for Iran to test fire missiles.
About the "destroying" part - neither Israel nor Iran can destroy each other & the sad part is both the countries know it.
Middle East will not see peace (or DEMOCRACY) till Israel & it's neighbour see peace in each other's existence.
Posted by: Kalyan | July 11, 2008 07:15 AM
Please do not be so scared of Iran and missles, etc., when you are scared you can not love, love Iran so it can love you back. Don 't think about danger...or danger will come to you. Start talking like the future world leader Barak Obama with Dignity and Love and that is what will come to you. Surrounding yourself with fear, hiding above your table, or under your table, you will see the New JFK (aka OBAMA) fill the hearts of other leaders like Ahmadinejad and others with RESPECT first and then LOVE and then good things have a chance to happen...that is the nature of getting cooperation from HUMAN BEINGS in general...fill their hearts with love, then fill their heads with what is right...hasn't Jesus Christ taught us anythings?
Dr. Yazdi
An Iranian American
Posted by: Shervin | July 24, 2008 01:09 AM
Obama is so alike other liberal faschists. Memories of Neville Chamberlain (an English Fascist)...
"For the second time in our history, a British prime minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time."
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain describing the Munich Pact with Adolf Hitler.
Posted by: Jonathan Bent | August 5, 2008 07:16 PM