Iran Test-Fires Long-Range Missile, Report Says

[maddezmom]

Source: Reuters

(September 28, 2009) TEHRAN, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Iran test-fired a missile on Monday which defence analysts have said could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf region, state television reported.

English-language Press TV said the surface-to-surface Shahab 3 missile was tested during manoeuvres by the elite Revolutionary Guards that began on Sunday.

The drills coincide with increased tension in Iran's nuclear dispute with the West, after last week's disclosure by Tehran that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant.

Press TV estimated the range of the Shahab 3, which was last tested in mid-2008, at between 1,300 km and 2,000 km (800-1,250 miles), without making clear the range of the actual missile tested on Monday.

"Iran successfully test-fires long-range Shahab 3 missile," Press TV said in a breaking news headline.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/09/28/world/international-iran-missiles-shahab.html

[AndyA]

1. Iran is going to be in big trouble if one of their "test" missiles malfunctions.

Hopefully, they aren't live but they could still do a lot of damage if they come down in the wrong place. They are really pushing it IMO.

[AverageJoe5]

8. If they don't test, how can they be sure ....

.... that they will be able to defend themselves if they are attacked? The tests are also a deterrent against any would-be attackers; it seems to be working, as there is now hardly any talk of "all options are on the table" (code phrase for a military attack).

[sui generis]

2. You know what I hate about this story

We've known about the facility for five years. Iran won't even have the ability to arm a nuke for another 5 - 10 years.

Israel is glossing over the fact that they are STILL building new settlements in Gaza and never intend to stop. We're glossing over the fact that we fucked up Iraq, we fucked up Afghanistan, and we're going to have to leave not because we're giving up but because the American people just don't give a shit about either any more.

So what does this administration do at the G20? Hmmm oh yeah. The old bush trick. Look!!!! Over there!!! Something shiny!!!!

Nevermind that it's not new news at all, just convenient news.

Obama don't take another step down that path - it's slippery and you are already sliding.

[WriteDown]

5. Uh...

Old info. Now they are saying Iran will have a bomb in 1-3 years.

[sui generis]

10. jesus an entire two years has gone by since 4:00 a.m. today

I guess the panic stricken murdochs can't even get their facts straight in the same 24 hour news cycle.

Uh . . . sounds like somebody's adjusting the spin on a per-revolution basis.

[WriteDown]

11. Robert Gates on Larry King....

GATES: Well, without getting into any specifics, I would just say we obviously don't take any options off the table.

My view has been that there has been an opportunity through the use of diplomacy and economic sanctions to persuade the Iranians to change their approach to nuclear weapons.

The reality is, there is no military option that does anything more than buy time. The estimates are one to three years or so. And the only way you end up not having a nuclear capable Iran is for the Iranian government to decide that their security is diminished by having those weapons as opposed to strengthened.

So I think, as I say, while you don't take options off the table, I think there's still room left for diplomacy. The P5 plus 1 will be meeting with Iran here shortly. The Iranians are in a very bad spot now because of this deception, in terms of all of the great powers. And there obviously is the opportunity for severe additional sanctions. And I think we have the time to make that work.

[sui generis]

12. You really don't get this is a full court press bait and switch?

That's all right. Nothing will come of Iran, mark my words. And if Israel provokes a war by doing something pre-emptive and all this horseshit is just the prelude I hope Israel is prepared to go it alone.

This is clearly a manipulative news cycle. Or is it just because Obama is doing it now instead of the shrub we're giving him a free pass?

[WriteDown]

13. By who?

Obama? Last time I checked, that's who Gates works for.

[sui generis]

14. d'oh.

that's all I can say. By Our Team. We're playing the obfuscation game, just as shamelessly as any republican ever did.

[formercia]

3. The film that I viewed on TV showed a missile with a small ' Warhead'

Either it can't reach 2,000 KM without substantially reducing the payload or it was configured to carry a small 'Nuke.'

[mopinko]

4. again with the "elite revolutionary guards" and all that crap

i can name that tune in 4 notes. who exactly is stirring this crap up, i wonder.
but, i do have to add- nobody ever stole an election to bring about world peace.

[bemildred]

6. Russia urges restraint on Iran: Ifax

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is urging restraint from the international community after a series of Iranian missile launches, a Foreign Ministry source told Interfax news agency on Monday.

The missile drills of the elite Revolutionary Guards coincide with escalating tension in Iran's nuclear dispute with the West, after last week's disclosure by Tehran that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant.

"We should not give way to emotions now," the Russian foreign ministry source said. "We should try to calm down and the main thing is to launch a productive negotiations process (with Iran)."

European Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana said on Monday he was concerned after Iran test-fired a missile which defense analysts have said could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE58R2ED20090928

[bemildred]

7. For China, Iran uranium plant no game changer

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's distaste for sanctions and appetite for Iran's oil may hamper Western efforts to ramp up pressure on Tehran after disclosure of the country's second uranium enrichment plant.

The United States and Western European powers want greater force behind demands that Iran come clean on its nuclear plans, following last week's revelation of the new nuclear facility.

China may be persuaded to back some sanctions, especially if Russia joins U.S. and European calls for action, experts say.

But Beijing is likely to flex its power as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council to dilute any proposed resolution that could threaten its ties with Tehran.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE58R2MC20090928

[robcon]

9. When will some idiot demand "regime change" in Iran?

I don't think it's far off.