Iran has successfully test-fired both medium- and long-range missiles in two
consecutive days, in what many analysts described as a move to trigger grave
concerns over stability in the region.
By testing a long-range missile capable of reaching targets in Israel as well
as US military facilities in the region, Iran has delivered a signal that it is
capable of hitting back in case of an Israeli or US attack, analysts say.
SENSITIVE TIME?
The missile tests came just a day after the United States had signed a
defense shield agreement with the Czech Republic, a sensitive time which may
spark many speculations on what's Iran's real intention behind the tests.
Washington claimed the installation of a radar base on Czech soil was
designed to protect most of its European allies from the threat of long-range
missiles fired by "rogue states" such as Iran.
In order to effectively eliminate the Iran threat, the United States are also
thrashing out ways to deploy missiles in Poland, who said an agreement with
Washington has not been finalized yet.
Iran's missile tests also lend US an excuse of persuading other countries
such as Russia the necessity of expanding its missile defense system in Europe.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vowed after the Iran tests that Tehran
should have no doubt about the US commitment to defending its allies from
possible attacks.
"We are also sending a message to Iran that we will defend American interests
and ... the interests of our allies," she said.
But the defense shield plan has drawn fierce opposition from Russia, which
says the US system would undermine both the Europe and Russia's security.
DEFENSE OR COUNTER-ATTACK?
Analysts say the tests are a signal by Iran that the country has the military
might to counter any aggression, as the Shahab 3 missile can hit any target
within a range of 2,000 km.
However, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar's comment on the
tests was low-key, saying Iran's missile capacity is for defensive purposes and
peace safeguarding within the country and in the Persian Gulf region.
"Our missiles will not be used to threaten any country and they are only
intended for those who dare attack Iran," he added.
In the military maneuver dubbed Payambar-e-Azam 3 (Great Prophet 3), the
Iranian army also test-fired missiles with improved accuracy, such as the Zelzal
and Fateh missiles with ranges of 400 km and 170 km respectively.
An aide to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday Iran
would strike Tel Aviv and the U.S. fleet in the Gulf as a first response to any
attack against the Islamic republic.
IS WAR IMMINENT?
The provocative exchange of words and actions by Washington and Tehran have
raised the specter of war, though both sides denied any military action is
imminent.
Washington and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear
weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program, which Tehran denied.
Years of bargaining around the table, however, have produced no much positive
results despite rounds of harsh sanctions from the United States and Europe.
Despite mounting tensions, some observers hold that negotiations on the
Iranian nuclear issue can be resumed.
The Bush administration has said it is committed to seeking a diplomatic
solution to the nuclear row though a military action has not been ruled out.
During his last year in the White House, Bush will be hesitant about a
military action against Iran since the Iraq war has already dragged him into a
quagmire, observers say.
In the Group of Eight summit in Japan, leaders of the major industrialized
nations expressed their support of resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through
negotiations.
"We firmly support and cooperate with the efforts by Britain, China, France,
Germany, Russia and the United States...to resolve the issue innovatively
through negotiation," they said.