Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do
Ze'ev Boim
Israeli minister
Israeli minister
Posted on 07/09/2008 10:40:13 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
The US and Israel have condemned Iran after it test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching Israel.
Iran state media said nine missiles were tested in total, including a new Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles).
Iran has tested the missile before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme.
US Under-secretary of State William Burns said the test was "provocative".
He told a Congressional hearing: "We view force as an option that is on the table but a last resort.
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Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do
Ze'ev Boim
Israeli minister
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"We do not believe we have exhausted all the diplomatic possibilities."
Mr Burns also told a Capitol Hill foreign affairs committee that UN sanctions on Iran were having the desired effect - by putting the brakes on its nuclear programme.
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He said that although Tehran was trying to foster the perception its nuclear programme was advancing, "real progress has been more modest".
He said Iranian scientists had not yet perfected the technique of enriching uranium. Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy.
In the Israeli parliament, Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said: "I suggest Israel will not talk, and Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do."
The early morning launches at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.
Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also fired as part of the Great Prophet III war games being staged by Iran's military.
Brig Gen Hoseyn Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, said: "Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy.
"The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."
Why is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country?
The tests are intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's nuclear installations, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.
Our correspondent - who is in Israel - says the country has a fully operational anti-ballistic missile system, which Israeli military experts believe can counter any Iranian threat.
But there is no room for complacency, he adds.
On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would retaliate against any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
'Joke'
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.
A White House spokesman condemned the Iranian test, as did both the American presidential candidates.
 Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes
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Describing Iran as a "great threat", the Democratic challenger, Barack Obama, called for tougher sanctions while his Republican rival, John McCain, said the test demonstrated the need for effective missile defence.
The French, German and Italian governments also expressed concern at the missile tests.
But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention of attacking Israel.
Speaking on a visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Mr Ahmadinejad said Iran did not fear an attack by the US or Israel over its nuclear activities, dismissing the possibility as a "joke".
Western leaders have been attempting to convince Tehran to stop enriching uranium, which it has continued despite the imposition of sanctions by the UN and the European Union.
fyi
My suggestion to Israeli Air Force pilots: “Gentlemen, start your engines.”
Mike, London, UK
Again answering questions meant to be rhetorical.
Well Mike, that is largely because Israel, the US, and UK are not ruled by ultra religious lunatics bent on mass destruction and death.
Mike in London is a dumbass.
If I were an Iranian subject, I would be heading for the border, by any means.
The bloke is a bloody fool!
Iran Test-Fires Missiles, State Media Reports
New York Times and Reuters | July 9, 2008
Posted on 07/09/2008 12:11:30 AM PDT by bd476
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2042799/posts
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
Thanks Ernest.
Obama wants to drop missile defense.
Why is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country? -- Mike, London, UKWhy is ok for Israel, the US and the UK to be victimized by terrorist bombings or nuclear weapons, but not for any other country? Eh, "Mike"?
Obama wants to drop missile defense.
The majority of people on BBC are anti-US idiots. Every chance they get they spit on us. If this is truly what the UK and europe have to offer screw them.Morons the lot of them.
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