Iran's Revolutionary Guards have begun a military exercise and issued a warning that Israel and U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf would be prime targets if Iran is attacked. The website of the elite Iranian force posted a statement late Monday announcing the military drill, which it said involved "missile squads," but did not say where it was taking place. Iran's guards and national army hold regular exercises two or three times a year, but the statement did not say whether this drill was one of them or if it was a special exercise.
Israel's military sent warplanes over the eastern Mediterranean for a large military exercise in June that U.S. officials described as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, which the West fears are aimed at producing atomic weapons. The Iranian Web Site quoted guard official Ali Shirazi as saying that Israel's coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv and U.S. warships in the Gulf would be among the first targets if Iran comes under attack. An aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday the Islamic Republic would hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and U.S. interests around the world if it was attacked over its nuclear activities. Though Washington says it prefers a diplomatic resolution to the standoff over Iran's nuclear activity, the U.S. and Israel have not ruled out a military option. Iran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes, such as energy production. On Friday, Iran's top Revolutionary Guards commander, Gen. Mohammed Ali Jafari, said Iran would consider any military action against its nuclear facilities as the beginning of a war. However, Iranian leaders have said they believe the speculation of a military strike is part of a campaign of psychological warfare.
There has been a new update today. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards test-fired nine long- and medium-range missiles today in war games officials say are in response to U.S. and Israeli threats, state television reported. Gen. Hossein Salami, a top Guards commander, was quoted as saying the exercise "is to demonstrate our resolve and might against enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with a harsh language." The drill was conducted in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormouz. The report didn't provide details but said the missiles fired included a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which officials have said has a range of 1,250 miles. The report comes less than a day after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said he sees no possibility of a war with the United States or Israel. For months, Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials have said they don't believe the U.S. will attack because of its difficulties in Iraq, domestic worries and concerns over the fallout in the region but at the same time Tehran has stepped up its warnings of retaliation if the Americans — or Israelis — do attack it. [End of report]
Now if you know me well, you probably know that I am a staunch supporter of America. When they decided to attack Iraq, I supported the decision and I still have not change my views today. If you remember the main reason why the U.S. decided to attack Iraq then was because they was reportedly having weapons of mass destruction. Of course, the Americans still couldnt find it yet even until today but I know it is being hidden somewhere out there and even if it wasnt, we did free the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein. But that was Iraq and we are talking about Iran now, a completely new ball game. The Americans and Israelis have long accused Tehran of producing nuclear energy to create nuclear weapons but Tehran has denied it, saying that it is meant for peaceful purposes. I dont know which side is saying the right thing. I really want to believe Iran but the fact that they are reluctant to let the U.N. nuclear inspectors to check their nuclear facilities everytime makes me feel really doubtful that it is only meant for peaceful purposes. The Americans would like to open negotiations with Iran regarding the issue but under the condition that it will close the nuclear facilities but that is not acceptable to Iran. President Bush has always said that he is open to diplomatic ways to solve the problem, and so does Iran. The problem though is that Iran is refusing to suspend its nuclear activities, which is what America is asking them to do.
Therefore, how do you solve the issue? America has not rule out the possibility of a military attack but is it worth doing so? I dont think so. Unlike Iraq, Iran is much more stronger and bigger in terms of its military strengths and an attack against Iran would have massive impact around the world. Lets look at some of the consequences that could happen should the U.S. decides to attack Iran. For instance, Iran could attack U.S. forces stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. Tehran could launch Shahab-3 medium-range missiles, possibly armed with chemical, biological, or radiological warheads, against American forces stationed in the Middle East. Iran could use its influence in Iraq to persuade radical Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, a Shia militant who has pledged support to Tehran in the event of a U.S. attack, to have his Mahdi Army attack American soldiers in Iraq. And with the ongoing oil crisis, the oil prices would go sky high if Iran is attack. Iran has the second-highest supply of untapped oil reserves in the world and it has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if it comes under attack. About 40 percent of globally traded oil moves through the Gulf waterway and it could severely destabilize global financial markets if disrupted. There is also the possibility that conventional attacks would kill thousands of Iranian civilians. Tehran purposefully built its nuclear facilities near population centers to deter potential attackers. Therefore, if there are any attacks on its nuclear facilities, imagine the level of damage it will cause.
There are many other reasons which I think attacking Iran is a bad idea but that are just some of it. I would also like to point out that being a President Bush fan, I would not like to see his time as the president to be involve with two different wars. If he could avoid another war before he leaves office at the end of this year, I would be very grateful, even if he doesnt achieve what he want with Iran yet. His possible successor, Barack Obama and John McCain have different views on how they would solve the issue however. Barack Obama has said that he will not rule out any direct diplomacy with countries such as Iran but John McCain shares a pretty much similiar viewpoint with President Bush which is not negotiating directly with Iran so it would be interesting to see what will happen when President Bush leaves office. But whatever it is, Im just hoping that there is not going to be another war. If everyone is willing to sit down and discuss the things in a peaceful manner to find the right solution, then there is always a chance that diplomacy will work.
*The report was taken from Associated Press.
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