Iran Test-Fires Missiles, State Media Reports

New York Times and Reuters ^ | July 9, 2008

[bd476]

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran test fired nine long- and medium-range missiles on Wednesday, state media said, including one which it has said could reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region.

The tests occurred at a time of increased tension between Iran and Israel over Tehran's nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran, the world's fourth-largest oil exporter, says its program is only for electricity.

A New York Times report in June said Israel had practiced an attack on Iranian nuclear sites, and the tension has rattled financial markets. U.S. and London Brent crude oil futures rose by more than a dollar on news of Iran firing the missiles.

"The aim of holding this maneuver is to show (Iran's) will and authority to the enemies that have threatened Iran with harsh language in recent weeks," state broadcaster IRIB quoted a Revolutionary Guards commander as saying.

"We...launch these missiles in honor of Iran, to show that this is only a small part of Iran's capability and defensive power," said the commander, Hossein Salami.

Israel, believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear-armed power, has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring an atomic bomb. The United States says it wants to resolve the dispute by diplomacy but has not ruled out military action.

"Israel does not threaten Iran, but the Iranian nuclear program combined with their aggressive ballistic missile program is a matter of grave concern." Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said after the tests.

IRAN'S WARNING

An aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday the Islamic Republic would hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and U.S. interests around the world if it was attacked over its nuclear activities...

[LukeL]

I think it is time we test fire a few of our weapons on Tehran.

[Dagny&Hank]

I think it is time we test fire a few of our weapons on Tehran.

Iran keeps pushing, goading, and challenging the big boy to knock his block off. Well...

[Cindy]

A Look at Iran
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2040058/posts?page=242#242

[bd476]

BBC

US steps up sanctions on Iran

Page last updated at 07:07 GMT, Wednesday, 9 July 2008 08:07 UK

Iran sends missile test warning

The launch of the Shahab-3 missile was
shown on state television

Iran has test-fired what it called a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, whose range puts it within reach of Israel, state media have said.

The missile, said to have a range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles), was one of nine launched from a remote desert site.

Iran has tested the Shahab-3 before, but the latest test comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over Iran's nuclear programme.

Worries about the stand-off have been one factor pushing up world oil prices.

"We are ready to defend the integrity of the Iranian nation," said the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, Brigadier General Hoseyn Salami.

" Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy "

Brig Gen Hoseyn Salami
Commander, Iranian Revolutionary Guards Air Force

Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also fired as part of the Great Prophet III war games being staged by the Guards.

"Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy," Gen Salami added. "The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."

The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran says this is a clear warning from Iran.

It is a response to a recent military exercise by Israel, which was seen as a rehearsal for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, he says.

Earlier, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would respond to any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

Other commanders have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large part of the world's oil flows, and to target the US and its allies around the world if Iran comes under attack.

The missile test came shortly after the US Treasury announced new financial sanctions on Iranian officials it suspected of involvement in the country's nuclear programme.

Among those targeted were a senior scientist at the defence ministry, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh-Mahabadi, and three companies believed to be related to the arms industry.

Western powers suspect Tehran of seeking to produce nuclear weapons. Tehran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

The US also signed on Tuesday an agreement with the Czech Republic to build a radar station near Prague as part of a defence shield to shoot down incoming missiles from what Washington calls "rogue states" such as Iran.

The move drew immediate criticism from Russia, which warned that it would proceed with its own military deployments.

Iran sends missile test warning

[AmericanInTokyo]

Yep.

Breaking news in Japan (well, everywhere for that matter).

Clearly timed at the conclusion of the G-8 SUMMIT, going on just up the road from me, here in Japan.

In fact, Kim Jong il pulled this kind of trick too, there is always a significance to the timing. Kim Jong il launched has Nodongs and scuds during the US Fourth of July fireworks festivities.

[Randy Papadoo]

OMG!!! The G-8 council “urged” Iran to discontinue nuclear development. Iran’s in big trouble now!

/s

How about this ultimatum?: Iran completely bares its nuke program by a date certain, or an attack may come any time thereafter.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2040058/posts?page=236#236

[AmericanInTokyo]

shades of hitler daring and double daring, isn’t it?

[bd476]

AmericanInTokyo wrote: "Clearly timed at the conclusion of the G-8 SUMMIT, going on just up the road from me, here in Japan.

In fact, Kim Jong il pulled this kind of trick too, there is always a significance to the timing. Kim Jong il launched has Nodongs and scuds during the US Fourth of July fireworks festivities."

That's interesting that you're close to the G-8 SUMMIT. It would be great hearing a man on the street impression of any events going on outside.

Also you made a very good point about timing. In your opinion, do you think that makes the missile firing any less ominous an event?

[C210N]

This smacks of Tehran, being unhappy about the oil price decline of the past 2 days, wanting to put it back on the proper path.

[bd476]

C210N wrote: "This smacks of Tehran, being unhappy about the oil price decline of the past 2 days, wanting to put it back on the proper path."

That makes sense too.

[jhpigott]

ping

[SlayerOfBunnies]

"The aim of holding this maneuver is to show (Iran's) will and authority ..."

Apparently Iran has only recently begun receiving South Park broadcasts. President Ahmanutjob does his best Cartman impersonation, "respect my authoritay!".

[Eye of Unk]

Its pretty obvious Iran is doing this because it does affect the US economy by driving up the price of oil, I am getting sick and tired of all the postings about “Drill Now, Pay Less” when we should “Attack Now, Iran is Messin’ with U.S.”

[LowTaxesEqualProsperity]

I predict that Obama’s reaction will be we need to talk more (showing the enemy that force works).

Idiot.

[MikeWUSAF]

You are uninformed and missed a critical point.

Obama would first respect local customs and take part in a tea and hookah ceremony and THEN would talk about the situation.

[Perdogg]

[Jersey Republican Biker Chick]

Iran needs to be taken behind the woodshed and taught a lesson...so to speak.

[Brian S. Fitzgerald]

"Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy,"

what is the missile's targeting accuracy?

[Righter-than-Rush]

I would LOVE to see Iran attack Israel, for it would be the last glimpse of Iran before it is flattened into a sheet of glass. Go ahead, make my day.

“Israel should be wiped off the map!”... the next month...
“There will be no war with Israel.”

That flipping fool is sounding like Obama, flopping like a dying fish.

[JohnMac]

Yeah. And this morning, the Today Show only had Obama on to discuss this. No attempt at presenting a contrary position. NBC is “out of the closet” now.

[No Truce With Kings]

Three words: Operation Praying Mantis.

[Joya]

Thanks.

= = =
Go to Joel Rosenberg’s site to see what he has to say,

http://joelrosenberg.blogspot.com/

[Smogger]

This is how Iran keeps the price of oil artificially high.

[Boagenes]

How much is it going to take? When the f--- are we going to do something about these 7th century maniacs?

We are the only civilization in history to wring our hands over something like this. It's time we drop with the civilities and niceties and political worries, and let the United States military go Roman on their asses. Sow the earth with salt.

[neodad]

Let’s do this!

[neodad]

Three words: Operation Praying Mantis.

How quickly they forget.

[mojito]

This stunt is not just directed at the US and Israel. The Saudis and the Egyptians have just been served.

[SunkenCiv]

Iran Test-Fires Missiles Capable Of Hitting Israeli, U.S. Bases
FOX News | July 9, 2008
Posted on 07/09/2008 9:27:32 AM PDT by Fennie
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2042955/posts

BREAKING NEWS - IRAN ATTACKS MEK CAMP ASHRAF IN IRAQ
AntiMullah & Sources Inside Iran | July 8th, 2008 | Alan Peters & Iran Sources
Posted on 07/08/2008 9:22:37 PM PDT by FARS
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042766/posts

Russia threatens military response to US missile defence deal
From The Times
July 9, 2008
David Charter, Europe Correspondent
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4295309.ece

[b4its2late]

We’ll do nothing. What we should do is take out every one of their sites that fired a missle.

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

Ain’t it strange,,,moved that carrier just the other day,,,

Almost like they knew...;0)...mmmmmmmmm...