Posted on 08/18/2004 12:42:01 PM PDT by HAL9000
Iran Warns Of Preemptive Strike To Prevent Attack On Nuclear Sites
DOHA, Aug 18 (AFP) - Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani warned Wednesday that Iran might launch a preemptive strike against US forces in the region to prevent an attack on its nuclear facilities.
"We will not sit (with arms folded) to wait for what others will do to us. Some military commanders in Iran are convinced that preventive operations which the Americans talk about are not their monopoly," Shamkhani told Al-Jazeera TV when asked if Iran would respond to an American attack on its nuclear facilities.
"America is not the only one present in the region. We are also present, from Khost to Kandahar in Afghanistan; we are present in the Gulf and we can be present in Iraq," said Shamkhani, speaking in Farsi to the Arabic-language news channel through an interpreter.
"The US military presence (in Iraq) will not become an element of strength (for Washington) at our expense. The opposite is true, because their forces would turn into a hostage" in Iranian hands in the event of an attack, he said.
Shamkhani, who was asked about the possibility of an American or Israeli strike against Iran`s atomic power plant in Bushehr, added: "We will consider any strike against our nuclear installations as an attack on Iran as a whole, and we will retaliate with all our strength.
"Where Israel is concerned, we have no doubt that it is an evil entity, and it will not be able to launch any military operation without an American green light. You cannot separate the two."
A commander of Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guards was quoted in the Iranian press earlier Wednesday as saying that Tehran would strike the Israeli reactor at Dimona if Israel attacks the Islamic republic`s own burgeoning nuclear facilities.
"If Israel fires one missile at Bushehr atomic power plant, it should permanently forget about Dimona nuclear center, where it produces and keeps its nuclear weapons, and Israel would be responsible for the terrifying consequence of this move," General Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr warned.
Iran`s controversial bid to generate nuclear power at its plant being built at Bushehr is seen by arch-enemies Israel and the United States as a cover for nuclear weapons development.
The latest comments mark an escalation in an exchange of threats between Israel and Iran in recent weeks, leading to speculation that there may be a repeat of Israel`s strike against Iraqi nuclear facilities at Osirak in 1981.
Iran insists that its nuclear intentions are peaceful, while pointing at its enemy`s alleged nuclear arsenal, which Israel neither confirms nor denies possessing.
Dimona, in the Negev desert, is allegedly where Israel produces weapons-grade plutonium for its estimated 200 nuclear warheads.
Different militaries organize differently.
A division can range from 6,000 to 20,000 men.
I don't know how large the Iranian divisions are, but they have zero capability as combat formations vs. the US.
Let's throw it down. Bring the pain.
Wonder what JFKerry's postion is on this threat
Yes! Good ol' Wing Attack Plan R.
Always up for a "Strangelove" reference. Good call.
"How many times have I told you guys not to horse around on the airplane?"
LOL
The State Department has more of a problem with endless analysis and inaction.
Oh Hello.....don't we already owe Iran a big one? Thank you peanut farmer.
Tehran Tommy must believe that Kerry is going to win the election to be spouting off like that.
Oh please oh please oh please oh please oh please!
tSG
There would be democratic rule in Iran within two months if they decide to throw down with us.
While I am not recommending "The Princess Diaries II" there was one fantastic exchange in that movie.
The evil Uncle whatever says, "I'll have you know that 'fear' is not even in my vocabulary.
Security Chief Joseph says, "No, but it is in your eyes."
It wasn't a bad movie. Great one to take your daughters to. And Julie Andrews sang, which is always a plus even if she is no longer a soprano.
Shalom.
Sounds like the "Axis of Eeeeevvvil" needs a little "greasing" again.
There's plenty of time afterwards to put on the good guy white hats and feed the masses, build the schools, and yadda yadda yadda. If it's war, then it's........war. Quit kissing the collective ass of Islam and do it right this time.
I presume they want to meet their Allah in the near future. Ask and ye shall receive for the USA will nuke them and their 72 virgins in a nano-second.
How?
How come all these 3rd world tin-pot dictatorships have an "Elite Revolutionary Guard"? Is it in the Koran, or the 'Tin-pot Dictator Handbook'? Doesn't Castro have an 'Elite Revolutionary Guard' also?
It really borders on the absurd because they sure aren't "elite" at anything, except hiding behind women and children, turning tail in a battle and then climbing into the nearest rat hole.
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