Iran Tests New Sajjil-2 Surface to Surface Solid Fuel Missile – Threatens Israel and Southeastern Europe
Iran has tested a new missle today with a range that threatens Israel.
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran test-fired a new advanced missile Wednesday with a range of about 1,200 miles, far enough to strike Israel, southeastern Europe and U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The announcement will not reassure the U.S. government, coming just two days after President Barack Obama declared a readiness to seek deeper international sanctions against Iran if it shunned U.S. attempts to open negotiations on its nuclear program. Obama said he expected a positive response to his outreach for opening a dialogue with Iran by the end of the year.
“Defense Minister (Mostafa Mohammad Najjar) has informed me that the Sajjil-2 missile, which has very advanced technology, was launched from Semnan and it landed precisely on the target,” state radio quoted Ahmadinejad as saying. He spoke during a visit to the city of Semnan, 125 miles east of the capital Tehran, where Iran’s space program is centered.
Ahmadinejad is running for re-election in a June 12 vote and has been criticized by his opponents and others for antagonizing the U.S. and mismanaging the country’s faltering economy.
Most Western analysts believe Iran does not yet have the technology to produce nuclear weapons, including warheads for long-range missiles. A group of U.S. and Russian scientists said in a report issued Tuesday that Iran could produce a simple nuclear device in one to three years and a nuclear warhead in another five years after that.
Does anyone have the feeling that the United States and Europe are fiddling around with Iran as it develops a viable nuclear missile program? And, Russia and China are facilitating it.
Time to avoid a nuclear confrontation is wasting away.
Technorati Tags: Iran, Israel, Sajjil-2 Missile
9 Comments
Daniel
Although this is a dangerous situation, I’d like to point out that we have the technology to produce these weapons already. Iran is just playing catch up. Now, it is true that they are perceived as being less stable, and that should be a concern. However, Ahmadinejad is quoted as saying, “Our progress in this field is solely aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region. This technology will only be used against an enemy with ill intentions.” (PressTV as quoted at Newsy.com)
I think it says a lot for the president that he said that. It’s not about proving national superiority, but about protecting his nation. As long as we do what we need to in order to keep our interests safe (developing better anti-missile defensive systems, for instance), I don’t see a major reason to worry.
Flap
And, what do you say to Israel, Turkey and Greece?
Don’t worry?
Nuclear blackmail is on the horizon from Iran.
Marek
Iran is counting on Obama, thinking he will not reply on such behavior. But I wouldn’t be sure, because everybody patient is coming to an end.
wooo
These missiles are a deterrent and for self defence. It has been over 200 years since Iran invaded a country. When was the last time the USA started a war?
Flap
BS
This missile is an intermediate range offensive missile.
What deterrence?
Simurgh
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Simple. If Israel attacks Iran they can expect Sajjil-2 missiles to rain down on them. Sounds like a deterrent to me.
Flap
And, why would Israel attack Iran?
Because Iran is preparing a nuclear weapon to “wipe it off the face of the earth.”
This is an offensive missile that may precipitate a nuclear war.
wooo
“BS”
Really? how many US armed forces bases are there surrounding Iran?
Flap
Yeah BS.
How many times has Ahmadinejad promised to wipe Israel off the face of the earth?
How many times has mad man Ahmadinejad denied the Holocoaust?
Get real there in the UK.
How many bases does Britain have in the Middle East? Former colonies?