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War games

November 22, 2009

Iran has launched a series of air war simulations in an effort to show off its defense capabilities to potential attackers. Tehran recently rejected a deal by the UN Security Council to ship its enriched uranium abroad.

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Atom symbol over Russia (top) and Iran flag, drawing, partial graphic
Iran has rejected a UN deal that would see its uranium shipped to Russia and FranceImage: AP GraphicsBank

Iranian armed forces are conducting five days of war games involving simulated attacks on the country's nuclear sites, state-owned Press TV and Al-Alam television channels reported.

The simulations are intended to show off Iran's defense capabilities amid increasing pressure from the West over its uranium enrichment program. Tehran has long denied accusations that it intends to use its program to produce nuclear weapons.

"Due to the threats against our nuclear facilities it is our duty to defend our nation's vital facilities and thus this maneuver covers Bushehr, Fars, Isfahan, Tehran and western provinces," said Brigadier General Ahmad Mighani, the head of army air defense, on Saturday.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is interviewed by editors from The Associated Press
EU diplomats say there are "too many conflicting statements" coming out of TehranImage: AP

"The aim of the drill is to display Iran's combat readiness and military potential," he added.

Tehran has held such demonstrations in the past to warn would-be attackers of its military might. The US and Israel say they are seeking a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff, but maintain that military force is an option if all else fails.

Iran has warned of a "crushing" response to any military action against its nuclear facilities, saying it will hit back at Israel and US interests in the region if it is attacked.

Iran rejects UN deal

On Friday, the UN Security Council plus Germany expressed disappointment at Iran's rejection of a compromise deal which would have allowed Iran to ship its low-grade enriched uranium to France and Russia. There, it would be processed into fuel for Tehran's medical research reactor.

"We urge Iran to reconsider the opportunity offered by this agreement to meet the humanitarian needs of its people and to engage seriously with us in dialogue and negotiations," officials said in a statement after talks in Brussels.

However, IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei, speaking in Berlin on Friday, said he did not believe Iran had dismissed the offer outright.

"The ball is now in Iran's court. I hope they will not miss this fleeting chance," he told reporters.

vj/dpa/Reuters/AFP

Editor: Kyle James

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