Iran Says Would Confront U.S. Jets in Its Airspace

Reuters ^ | February 19, 2003

[Mossad1967]

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's defense minister said on Wednesday its forces would "confront" any U.S. aircraft that used its airspace during possible strikes on neighboring Iraq. Iran, branded a sponsor of terrorism by Washington, opposes any military operation against Iraq and has repeatedly urged Baghdad to cooperate with U.N. arms inspectors "to remove any pretext" Washington might use to launch a war.

"We will defend our airspace and will not let America violate our airspace while attacking Iraq," Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani told reporters.

[Theophilus]

We should be so lucky :-)

Our pilots will be praying every day for such an opportunity!

Lachiam!!!

[Paradox]

There is more to this than meets the ear folks. Much of what we hear from the Muslim world is for public consumption. I am sure there are deals in the works.

[jimkress]

Iran Says Would Confront U.S. Jets in Its Airspace

For about 30 seconds. Then the US would OWN Iran's airspace.

[mrb1960]

Hey I agree, let them take their best shot. It's the only shot they will get and then we finally pay them back for the hostage situation from the late 70's.

And I also agree, "Paybacks a bitch!"

[cutiedieuvan]

Wy don't we get them both ?

[mathurine]

Same-o-same-o medieval dorks.

[peteram]

Note that Iraq is the least Muslim of all the Arab world , it is the most western of them all and yet it is Iraq we seek to destroy , not the Saudi , the real 9/11 gang. Not the Pals and their pocket bombers. Not the Iranian mobsters who cut our throats not so long ago.

Actually, we're not out to destroy Iraq - just the regime that currently runs the place. After we are through with that regime, I believe strongly that we will move on to take care of the rest - especially UBL.

As Bush mentioned after 9/11, this will not be a quick thing. It will be a long, methodical process. We must have patience and faith that it will get done.

Personally, I would just like to see a nuke dropped on Mecca. Destroy their "source of power" - their temple. Then see which way the diaperheads turn to bow.

[klpt]

[Toddsterpatriot]

Iran should be first, not Iraq. Iran is the real enemy. Unfortunately we have a bunch of neo-cons who are in bed with the Likud in our government. Americans shouldn't have to fight and die for Israel.

First, second, what's the difference? Nobody is fighting for Israel, we'll take them out for our own safety.

[Young Werther]

Calm! Deep breaths! Not to worry.

I remember that one of my fighter pilot friends explained that it's not the plane but the pilot. Iran has some "modern" aircraft in their inventory but would be hopelessly outgunned by our pilots who receive exceptional training. That's what Top Gun training is all about.

[John Jorsett]

Iran airspace

HAHAHAHA! Can't say they didn't warn us (over and over and ...), can we?

[John Jorsett]

They may have gotten some Russian stuff since

Didn't Iraq fly its fighter jets over there to escape destruction during Gulf War I? Maybe they still have them.

I hope they do oppose us. It'll be a twofer if we shoot down Axis of Evil II's aircraft while we're dealing with Axis of Evil I.

[CarolAnn]

"I don't think Bushy will take on Iran."

I don't think we will have to. Their population is young and they don't like the current extremist leadership. I think that country will basically take care of itself.

[SENTINEL]

Marianas Turkey shoot II ?

They may even be able to get the first few production F-22 Raptors over there.

On second thought, the first few production Raptors may be ALL we need to take out the rock chucker's air Force !

[concerned about politics]

Americans shouldn't have to fight and die for Israel.

Are you some kind of kook or something?
You support the Iranian military when their plane goes down, and attack Freepers for not giving a crap. Now you condemn Israel ??
Are you sure you're on the right site?
You're anti-Americanisms are really getting old!

[SENTINEL]

"Iranians are not Arabs they are akin to Persians and speak and Indo-European langauge not a Semitic one like Arabic. Iranians are Shi'ite Muslims and for the most part Arabs are Sunnis."

We should kill all the rock chuckers and LET ALLAH SORT 'EM OUT !!

[freedumb2003]

An Iranian Pilot says goodbye to his wife as he prepares to go to battle against American pilots

[Republic]

carvedwood, or is that woody? Perhaps a little medicine might help your blind side? Maybe some rest? Your common sense and inability to perceive actionable vs restraint in terms of foreign relationships is showing.

[plymaniac]

Our strategy is to attack terrorism through attrition.

The Islamofascists will never change their view of the US. But they don't seem to breed well in democratic societies.

We are going to establish a pro-USA regime in Iraq, just like we did in Afghanistan. Both nations will then be led to democratic reforms similar to Japan and Germany in 1945.

Meanwhile, with Afghanistan and Iraq in hand we will then have strategic influence over Saudi Arabia to the west, Iran to the east and Syria to the North.

Syria may be the next Iraq, although Israel will assume the US role. Iran, and maybe Saudi Arabia, may democratize through indiginous pressure. If not, we will be right there.

Meanwhile, the US and others will chase down Al Qaida, Hamas and their allies.

But, in the long run, democracy, and capitalism is the answer to preventing mass violence for political causes... whatever your religion.