Iran tests 9 missiles in warning to Israelis
LONG-range missiles capable of hitting Israel were test-fired by Iran yesterday.
Iran’s military leaders warned they are ready to strike at their enemies.
The testing of nine missiles followed exercises by the Israeli air force, said by US intelligence officials to be a “dry run” for an attack on nuclear sites inside Iran.
Oil prices rose by more than a dollar a barrel in response to yesterday’s escalation and America warned Iran to halt any further tests.
Iranian TV confirmed that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was responding to Israeli and US threats.
The TV showed plumes of smoke rising from a secret desert location in the country.
Hossein Salami, air force commander of Iran’s Revolu-tionary Guard, said in the broadcast: “The aim of these war games is to show that we are ready to defend the integrity of the Iranian nation. Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and accurately.
“The enemy must not repeat its mistakes.
“The enemy targets are under surveillance.
“Our hands are always on the trigger and our missiles are ready for launch.”
The missiles fired allegedly including the Shahab-3, which officials said could reach targets up to 1,250 miles away – as far as Greece.
Also launched were the 100-mile-range Fateh and the medium-range Zelzal which can reach up to 250 miles.
There have been calls within Israel for a strike on Iran before its nuclear ambitions reach a point of no return.
With America seemingly reluctant to turn to military action, Israel mounted a major training drill over the Mediterranean last month and is thought to be considering a solo mission.
But exercises were conducted this week by the US Fifth Fleet, helped by British and Gulf forces, preparing to protect key petroleum sites in the Gulf in case of conflict.
Iran has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz, critical for shipments of much of the world’s oil and gas supply, if it is attacked.
