Wednesday July 9, 2008

Iran tests missiles, vows to hit back if attacked

By Zahra Hosseinian and Fredrik Dahl

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran test-fired nine missiles on Wednesday and warned the United States and Israel it was ready to retaliate if they attacked the Islamic Republic over its disputed nuclear projects.

A video grab from Al Alam television shows three of nine long- and medium-range missiles being fired during a test in Iran July 9, 2008. (REUTERS/Iran TV via Reuters TV)

Washington, which says Iran seeks atomic bombs, told Tehran to halt further tests if it wanted the world to trust it.

Rising tensions have rattled financial markets. Oil prices, which have recently slipped from record highs, rebounded almost $2 a barrel after Wednesday's tests.

Speculation that Israel could strike Iran has mounted since its air force staged an exercise last month that U.S. officials said involved 100 aircraft. The United States has not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the nuclear row.

"We warn the enemies who intend to threaten us with military exercises and empty psychological operations that our hand will always be on the trigger and our missiles will always be ready to launch," Revolutionary Guards air force commander Hossein Salami said, according to ISNA news agency.

State TV showed missiles soaring into the sky from a desert launchpad and leaving long vapour trails.

Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

"The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately," he added.

Iran, the world's fourth largest oil producer, insists its nuclear ambitions are purely directed at generating electricity.

State Press TV said the "highly advanced" missiles tested by the Guards included a "new" Shahab 3 missile, which officials have said could reach targets 2,000 km away. Iran has previously said Israel and U.S. bases are in its range.

'WAR OF WORDS'

Some U.S. facilities across the Gulf are little more than 200 km from Iran's coast, putting them in range of Iranian weaponry even if analysts question their accuracy.

The United States also has troops based in nearby Arab states, including Qatar and Bahrain, along with ships patrolling the Gulf waterway.

Iran has previously said U.S. forces were vulnerable because of their presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. State TV said the missile has a one-tonne, conventional warhead.

Israel, believed to be the Middle East's only nuclear-armed power, has vowed to prevent Iran from acquiring an atomic bomb.

"Israel does not threaten Iran, but the Iranian nuclear programme, combined with their aggressive ballistic missile programme, is a matter of grave concern," Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said after the tests.

Leaders of the Group of Eight rich countries voiced serious concern on Tuesday at the proliferation risks posed by Iran's nuclear work. World powers have offered Iran incentives if it will suspend uranium enrichment. Tehran has rejected the demand.

Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if attacked. About 40 percent of globally traded oil moves through the Gulf waterway. The United States, which has ships and troops in the area, has vowed not to let Iran shut any shipping lanes.

The war of words heightens risks that a misunderstanding or a minor clash in the Gulf, for instance, could get out of hand.

Tehran and Washington have not had diplomatic ties for almost 30 years and have few avenues for direct communications.

An aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday that his country would hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and U.S. interests in reply to any military strike.

CAUSING HAVOC

Analysts say Iran's military technology often involves improving weaponry originating in places like China and North Korea. While no match for U.S. firepower, they say Iran could still cause havoc in the region, if it was pushed.

"They are some way away yet from threatening Israel or U.S. bases," said London-based independent military analyst Paul Beaver, adding guidance systems over longer ranges needed work. But he said the missile programme was still "pretty advanced."

Other ground-to-ground missiles tested by naval and air units of the Guards were the Zelzal and Fateh, with respective ranges of 400 km and 170 km, state TV said.

After G8 leaders met in Japan, they urged Tehran to suspend all uranium enrichment activities, the work that most worries the West because it can have military as well as civilian uses.

(Additional reporting by Hossein Jaseb)

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