Missile Testing in Iran
March 8th, 2009 at 6:44 pm - by Tom Prout
With speculation high about Iranian nuclear capabilities of late, the news that Iran has test-fired a new surface-to-air missile is doing little to assuage doubts worldwide of the country’s intentions. This move is the latest in a series of demonstrations of military capability.
Though NATO has said direct diplomacy would be used should Iran choose to freeze both military and nuclear projects, areas which Iranian officials maintain are separate, the launch of the 110km range missile is perhaps a step in the opposite direction. According to reporters with Iran’s Fars News Agency, the missile is capable of flying 70 miles (110km), and is designed for use against naval targets by military aircraft.
Israel, currently the only confirmed nuclear-armed Middle East state, is accusing Tehran of manufacturing nuclear weapons; Washington has issued several statements regarding the Iranian nuclear situation this past week, and harbors the same fears as Israel. While NATO’s approach of direct diplomacy is being considered the best possible outcome, Israel refuses to rule out military action should it fail.
Amid protestations that nuclear energy is being pursued to better utilize Iran’s oil and natural gas reserves, currently OPEC’s 2nd ranked in the world, there is no allusion regarding the motive behind this latest launch. Iran has warned that should an attack ensue, it would not hesitate to disrupt US interests in the area, as well as Israel: a threat which Israeli officials are taking very seriously. Up to this point, the United States State Department has refused to comment on the news.
The 110km range is a mere 5% of that possible with the Shahab surface-to-surface missile, which is more than capable of attacking American and Israeli interests in the area, Iranian officials have stated; Iran has become far more explicit of late in describing its military capability.
Amongst the various US interests in the area is the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Gulf and the Sea of Oman through which around 40% of the world’s oil passes.
