Posted on 08/17/2006 12:51:21 PM PDT by SmithL
Iran will launch a series of large-scale military maneuvers across the country and has not made plans for an end to the ongoing war games, the army said Thursday.
"The maneuvers are aimed at introducing Iran's new defensive doctrine," military spokesman Gen. Mohammad Reza Ashtiani was quoted as saying by state-run television.
He said the exercises would begin on Saturday in the south east of the country. "It will continue in the whole of Iran, stage by stage for an unspecified period," Ashtiani said.
The announcement came as Iran faces heightened international scrutiny because of its contentious nuclear program and for supporting the Lebanese Hizbullah guerrillas.
Iran denies Israeli accusations it is arming and training Hizbullah fighters.
Ashtiani praised Hizbullah for its month-long fight against Israel. "Human forces can decide fate of a war. We saw it in Lebanon," the general said, echoing Hizbullah claims it won the war by resisting a massive bombing and ground offensive for more than a month before a UN-brokered cease-fire came into place earlier this week.
The military spokesman said Iran's maneuvers reflected the current level of tension in the Middle East. "We have to be prepared against any threat and we should be a role model for other countries," local newspapers quoted Gen. Ashtiani, as saying. "Our army is ready to defuse all plots against Islamic Republic of Iran."
The military exercise, involving 12 infantry regiments, is called "The Blow of Zolfaghar," in reference to a sword that belonged to Imam Ali, one of the most revered figures of Islam for Shi'ite Muslims. A majority of Iran's 70 million people are Shi'ite.
On Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said that Iran also plans to boost security patrols on its borders.
Ministry spokesman Mostafa Pourmohammadi said the move targeted smugglers. Drug traffickers killed 8 police officers during a firefight in southeastern Iran last week.
Iran has routinely held war games over the past two decades to improve its combat readiness and test locally made equipment such as missiles, tanks and armored personnel carriers. In April, Teheran launched its biggest military maneuvers so far, during which it said it tested several advanced weaponry including missiles.
Hmmm.
Something wicked this way comes...
Satellite dishes, that is. Verrry interesting!
Just five days off.
I suggest, stock up on food and ammo. We could be in for a LOOOOOONG ride. Before New Years 2000, I bought a case of cigs, 12 cases of longnecks and as much ammo as I could afford, just to be safe.
That area highlighted in the Southern portion is where they think we would try to land troops.
Are they just itching for a fight or do they just delight in worrying the West?
Thanks for the ping. If Iran invades Iraq, they will support and be supported by Sadr's militia inside Iraq. That combination could get real ugly real fast.
"H'mmm how fast to reposition out of Baghdad, or we are drawn into a fight in Baghdad and Iranian's cross the border into Iraq. They are just fanatical enough to try that, especially with their recent "defeat" of Israel."
I would think they'll use a nuclear weapon on Israel first and are preparing for invasion afterward. By the time they would even reach Bagdad their would be nothing but burned flesh and shrapnel remaining. If they use nuke on Bagdad, they then face the entire world minus Russia and China.
Drug traffickers killed 8 police officers during a firefight in southeastern Iran last week.
Navy Seals?
You have more faith in "the entire world" than I do.
I hope all of our assets are in place and ready! Amadinejad thinking that Hezzlezboh's "victory" was an intervention by god, is just that much more evidence this mashugana freak of nature, is going to go for it...
Yes but we will counter with Sigfreid's sword "Nothung" and trump them with the Albrect-Mimi crafted "Tarhelm" (the invisibility cloak) as well. We might even make them adopt Wotan's staff rules if they push us too far.
Oh, oh.........not good.
Is that the rumble seat?
Isn't that redundant?
Oh goody....more photos of Burka wearing women with weapons are coming for sure. They are just soooooooo HOT
PFLR
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