Iran test fires short-range missiles on eve of Yom Kippur
By Haaretz Service and Agencies
Iran test fired two short-range missiles as its elite Revolutionary Guards began several days of war games on Sunday, state television reported, on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
“Iran tests two short-range missiles,” Press TV said in a scrolling headline. It earlier said new missiles had been tested, without giving details.
Iranian State Radio meanwhile, reported on Sunday that the Revolutionary Guards would test-fire a missile on Monday that defense analysts have said could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf region.
Iran says the Shahab 3, which has been tested several times in the past, can travel about 2,000 km.
Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard Air Force, told reporters Iran tested a multiple missile launcher for the first time.
Press TV showed pictures of at least two missiles being fired simultaneously and said they were from Sunday’s drill in a desert in central Iran. In the clip, men could be heard shouting Allahu Akbar as the missiles were launched.
“The message of the war game for some arrogant countries which intend to intimidate is that we are able to give a proper, strong answer to their hostility quickly,” the Web site of state television quoted Salami as saying. He said the missiles successfully hit their targets.
The missile maneuvers coincided with increased tension in Iran’s nuclear dispute with the West, after last week’s disclosure by the Islamic Republic that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant.
Last May, Iran said it had tested a missile that defense analysts say could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.
The United States, which along with Israel and other Western nations suspects Iran is seeking to build nuclear bombs, has previously expressed concern about Tehran’s missile program. Iran insists its nuclear work is for peaceful power generation purposes.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly expressed alarm over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and refused to rule out pre-emptive military action to stop Iran developing an atomic weapon.
Israel considers Iran a strategic threat due to its nuclear program, missile development and repeated references by Ahmadinejad to Israel’s destruction.
On Yom Kippur in 1973, a coalition of Arab states launched a surprise attack on Israel. The ensuing conflict, the Yom Kippur War, was particularly costly and traumatic for Israel.
Yom Kippur in Iran: War Games and Missile Drill
From Israel National News
Iran will conduct war games and fire missiles that can hit Israel while Jews around the world are praying on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Revolutionary Guards website said that military exercises, including the simultaneous firing of missiles at targets, will begin Sunday and last for several days “to raise the deterrence capability of the Iranian armed forces.” Yom Kippur begins Sunday night.
Several months ago, Iran said it had tested a missile that could reach Israel as well as American bases in the Middle East.
The announcement regarding the planned military exercises came at the same time that the Islamic Republic revealed it is building a second uranium enrichment facility. Iranian officials added that the new site is open for inspection by the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“Allah willing, this plant will be put into operation soon, and will blind the eyes of the enemies,” Head of Supreme Leader’s Office Hojjatoleslam Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani said in Tehran Saturday.
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman (Yisrael Beiteinu) demanded that the Western world issue an “unequivocal response” to the announcement of a new enrichment plant. He added, “The revelations of this second nuclear enrichment site in Iran prove beyond any doubt that this country wants to equip itself with nuclear weapons.
“Without wasting time, we must work towards the overthrow of the mad regime of Tehran. We are not surprised by the recent revelations, because we have been saying that Iran is developing its nuclear activities for military purposes, and the facts prove it now.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu called Congressional leaders Saturday night and told them it is urgent that the United States respond to the growing threat that Iran will produce a nuclear warhead for a missile aimed at Israel. He asked House of Representatives Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Dan Inouye “If not now, then when?”
Israel has conducted missile drills the past year in preparation for an aerial attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to foreign media. Most military analysts have questioned whether Israel has the capability to destroy Iranian’s nuclear plants, which are buried under concrete deep underground.
The United States is pushing for stiffer economic sanctions against Iran and apparently has the support of Russia. Russia and China, both of which have huge investments in helping Iran build the plants, previously have forced the United Nations Security Council to soften sanctions.
On October 1, six major powers – the U.S. Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China – are scheduled to hold direct talks with Iran.