Iran the news again...................

[Shammu]

Iran's Air Force to stage large-scale war games
15/ 07/ 2008
   
TEHRAN, July 15 (RIA Novosti) -- Iran's military will hold a major air exercise soon to demonstrate its military and defense capabilities, the commander of Iran's Air Force said on Tuesday.

Ahmad Mighani said the war games, dubbed Protectors of Velayat Air, "will demonstrate our strength and will send the message to our enemies that if they contemplate an attack, they will meet a powerful blow."

He said the Air Force was operating at full combat readiness and claimed that Iran had developed aircraft that were capable of evading radar detection, which "would increase the country's air strength."

Iran successfully launched last week an upgraded Shahab-3 ballistic missile as part of the Great Prophet III military exercise in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, drawing a new wave of international criticism.

The Iranian missile tests came after the Israeli Air Force conducted military exercises involving over 100 fighters in early June. The exercises were widely seen as a 'dress rehearsal' for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The United States has also not ruled out a military strike against Iran if the Islamic Republic refuses to halt its nuclear program, which Western countries believe is a cover for a weapons program. Iran says it needs the program to produce electricity.

Iran has reacted to rumors of an imminent attack by Israel and/or the U.S. by promising to deliver a "powerful blow" to any aggressor.

A senior military official said on Saturday Iran's armed forces would launch devastating strikes against Israel and 32 American bases in the Middle East if those countries dared to attack.

Iran's Air Force to stage large-scale war games

[Shammu]

Iran hangs 29 people

By ALI AKBAR DAREINI, Associated Press Writer Sun Jul 27, 5:12 AM ET

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran hanged 29 people at dawn on Sunday after they had been convicted of murder, drug trafficking and other crimes, state run television reported.

All were hanged inside Evin prison, north of the capital. The hangings were carried out after the death sentences were ratified by Iran's Supreme Court, the television report said.

A separate report on the television station's web site quoted Tehran Chief Prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi as saying the men had records of repeated crimes, including rape, armed robbery and murder. The web site also said some of the convicts had "smuggled thousands of kilograms of various kinds of narcotics" in and out of Iran.

The hangings brought to about 150 the number of people executed in Iran so far this year.

International human rights groups have accused Iran of making excessive use of the death penalty, but Iranian officials say capital punishment is an effective deterrent carried out only after all judicial proceedings are exhausted.

The Rome-based Hands Off Cain, which campaigns to stop the death penalty, said last week that at least 355 people were put to death in Iran last year, compared with 215 in 2006. The group said the actual figure may be even higher because Iran does not publish official statistics on the number of executions.

The 355 executions placed Iran second only to China as the world's biggest executioner.

The group said China alone accounted for at least 5,000 executions based on reports by the media and other human rights groups.

Iranian rights activists said earlier this month that authorities have sentenced eight women and one man convicted of adultery to death by stoning.

Iran hangs 29 people

[Shammu]

Iran to get new Russian air defences by '09
23 Jul 2008 15:32:52 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Dan Williams

TEL AVIV, July 23 (Reuters) - Iran is set to receive an advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft system by year-end that could help fend off any preemptive strikes against its nuclear facilities, senior Israeli defence sources said on Wednesday.

First delivery of the S-300 missile batteries was expected as soon as early September, one source said, though it could take six to 12 months for them to be deployed and operable -- a possible reprieve for Israeli and American military planners.

Iran, which already has TOR-M1 surface-to-air missiles from Russia, announced last December that an unspecified number of S-300s were on order. But Moscow denied there was any such deal.

Washington has led a diplomatic drive to deny Iran access to nuclear technologies with bomb-making potential, while hinting that force could be a last resort. Israel, whose warplanes have been training for long-range missions, has made similar threats.

But the allies appear to differ on when Iran, which denies seeking atomic arms, might get the S-300. The most sophisticated version of the system can track 100 targets at once and fire on planes 120 km (75 miles) away.

"Based on what I know, it's highly unlikely that those air defence missiles would be in Iranian hands any time soon," U.S. Secretary of Defence Robert Gates said in a July 9 briefing when asked about the S-300 -- also known in the West as the SA-20.

An Israeli defence official said Iran's contract with Russia required that the S-300s be delivered by the end of 2008. A second source said first units would arrive in early September.

The official agreed with the assessments of independent experts that the S-300 would compound the challenges that Iran -- whose nuclear sites are numerous, distant, and fortified -- would already pose for any future air strike campaign by Israel.

TIME TO LEARN

Israel does not have strategic "stealth" bombers like the United States, though the Israeli air force is believed to have developed its own radar-evading and jamming technologies.

"There's no doubt that the S-300s would make an air attack more difficult," said the official, who declined to be named.

"But there's an answer for every counter-measure, and as far as we're concerned, the sooner the Iranians get the new system, the more time we will have to inspect the deployments and tactical doctrines. There's a learning curve."

Israel, which is assumed to have the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, carried out a large-scale air force drill over the Mediterranean last month which was widely seen as a "dress rehearsal" for a possible raid on Iran. Some analysts also described it as a bid to pressure the West to step up sanctions.

The exercise involved overflying parts of Greece, which is among a handful of countries to have bought and deployed S-300s. But Greek media quoted Athens officials as saying that the system's radars were "turned off" during the Israeli presence.

According to the Israeli official, it would take a year for Iran to deploy the S-300s and man them with trained operators.

Robert Hewson, editor of Jane's Air-Launched Weapons, said: "The minimum work-up time to be comfortable with the system is six months, but more time is preferable."

Hewson said the Iranian S-300 deal was being conducted via Belarus to afford discretion for Russia, which is already under Western scrutiny for helping Iran build a major atomic reactor.

"Belarus is the proxy route whenever Russia wants to deny it is doing the sale. But nothing happens along that route without Moscow saying so," he said

Iran to get new Russian air defences by '09

[Shammu]

Russia's sure showing where their interests lie, aren't they? Outfitting Iran's regime AND Hugo Chavez's regime in Venezuela?? Gee Russia, what are ya trying to say??

First delivery of the S-300 missile batteries was expected as soon as early September, one source said, though it could take six to 12 months for them to be deployed and operable -- a possible reprieve for Israeli and American military planners.

Don't worry Perhaps it was the new and Improved Elastic Launched Rock Thrower!! The best Russian AA system is the S-400.

There is much spoil to be had in that little land and an attack by Israel would greatly justify going after it. Why else would Russia announce something like this?

[Shammu]

Iran tests naval weapon with 300 km range

Revolutionary Guards say they have tested Iranian-built missile that could destroy any vessel in range of 190 miles
Reuters

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Monday they had tested a naval weapon that could destroy any vessel in a range of 300 km (190 miles), Iranian media reported.

The comments are likely to stoke tensions over Iran's disputed nuclear program after Tehran failed to meet Saturday's informal deadline to respond to a package of nuclear incentives offered by six world powers to defuse the row.

The West accuses Iran of seeking to build an atomic bomb, a charge Tehran denies. The United States has not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to end the row, prompting Iran to warn it would target US bases if attacked.

"The Revolutionary Guards have recently tested a naval weapon with a 300 km range in which no vessel would be safe and would be sent to the depths," Guards Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency.

He said it was Iranian built but did not give details.

US forces are stationed in several countries around the Gulf, including Bahrain where the US Navy Fifth Fleet is based. Iran says US forces are in range of its weapons and has threatened to impose controls on shipping in the Gulf if pushed.

Around 40% of globally traded oil leaves the region through the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point at the southern end of the Gulf, flanked by the coastlines of Iran and Oman.

Western capitals had set an informal deadline of Saturday for Iran to freeze expansion of its nuclear work in return for a halt to measures to impose more UN sanctions.

The freeze was aimed at getting preliminary talks going, before formal negotiations on a package of nuclear, trade and other incentives start once Tehran suspends uranium enrichment, a process that can have both civilian and military uses.

Iran, the world's fourth largest oil producer, has dismissed the idea of a deadline and refused to suspend enrichment, saying it only wants to master the technology to generate electricity.

The United States said on Sunday that Iran had left the UN Security Council no choice but to increase sanctions on the Islamic Republic for failing to respond to the offer.

The incentives package was backed by the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. Moscow opposed the idea of setting a deadline but also told Tehran not to drag its feet with any response.

Iran tests naval weapon with 300 km range

[Shammu]

Iranian woman to be executed for alleged ties with Israel

Local media report one woman, three men to receive death sentences for involvement in Shiraz mosque blast, 'connections with Zionist regime'

Dudi Cohen
Published:    08.03.08, 15:39 / Israel News

An Iranian woman accused of involvement in the blast at a Shiraz mosque a few months ago will be executed, a local news agency reported, saying she received a life sentence for a connection she had with Israeli intelligence organizations.

Aside from this woman, whose name was not released, three other Shiraz residents arrested in this case will be executed.

According to the report in Iran, 25 people were arrested for alleged involvement in a blast that took place at a Shiraz mosque on April 12, while a religious ceremony was being conducted by a local sermonizer.

The explosion took 14 lives, and dozens of other worshippers were injured.

A month after the incident, the Iranian president blamed Israel, the United States and Britain for involvement in the blast.

“These three countries announced that they plan on attempting to kill Iranian elements and a short time afterwards, the blast occurred in Shiraz,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in the Iranian official news agency, IRNA.

According to him, “due to the calculated effort made by Iranian intelligence officials, the people who caused this blast were arrested quickly and admitted their connection to the Zionist regime, America and England.”

This is not the first time Iranian civilians were accused of ties with Israel. On Sunday, an Iranian newspaper reported that seven people of the Bahai faith were arrested and admitted to organizing illegal activity and receiving instruction from Israel and other countries.

The report said that the seven, who are most likely leaders in the Bahai community and arrested in May, tried undermining the Islamic rule in the country.

Just a little over a month ago, an Iranian citizen was sentenced to death for spying for Israel. The accused, a 43-year old Muslim from Tehran named Ali Ashtari, was arrested a year and a half ago by the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and according to the Iranians, admitted he was guilty in court.

It should be noted that the Iranians are known for the severe pressure they inflict on their suspects to admit to the accusations ascribed to them, using “announcements” for propaganda.

Lately, Iran has magnified its efforts to prevent attempts to spy on its territory and has expressed so publicly in order to deter its citizens from being enticed to spy.

Iranian woman to be executed for alleged ties with Israel

[Shammu]

And the bloodthirsty-hate-filled-false 'god' called allah, will claim another victim by sacrifice. Sorry, I don't feel like mincing words today. I am praying that God spares her. If not, I'm praying that she finds the Messiah.

I'm not feeling too politically correct, either in case your wondering. Jesus Saves  , allah kills!! 

[Shammu]

Iran 'promises final response'
06/08/2008 11:44

 Washington - Six world powers are to confer by telephone on Wednesday on whether to seek new sanctions or keep talking to Iran after its ambiguous response to their offer to resolve the dispute over its allegedly arms-targetted nuclear programme.

Iran promised in a letter on Tuesday a final response to the offer, but said it first needed some clarifications about the proposals, an EU source said.

Negotiators from United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China "have scheduled a conference call for tomorrow", said US State Department spokesperson Gonzalo Gallegos.

Iran's demand for more information came in the form of a letter to EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana that was also circulated late on Tuesday to the five UN Security Council permanent members and Germany, who are seeking to persuade Tehran to end its uranium enrichment programme.

The Iranian authorities "say there will be a response but that clarification is needed on certain points of the offer", the European source told AFP.

"They've hit the ball back. We must analyse whether it's just another way to gain time or if it's serious," she added.

The Iranian letter was received three days after an initial weekend deadline set by the United States and its allies.

'We are going to have no choice...'

A source with Iran's Supreme National Security Council told AFP that a message had been handed over to Solana, who has been leading negotiations on behalf of the six world powers, but confirmed it did not contain the awaited final response.

"The message delivered today is not Iran's response to the six countries," the source said.

The six powers had offered Iran negotiations on a package of technological incentives if it suspends the sensitive process of uranium enrichment, which the West fears could be used to make nuclear weapons.

Tehran has steadfastly refused to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, which it says are only aimed at producing fuel for nuclear power for a growing population.

The United States said Iran faced "additional measures" if it did not respond clearly, indicating it risked further UN Security Council sanctions.

"If we are not going to receive a clear response, a clear message from them, we are going to have no choice but to pursue additional measures," Gallegos said.

Along with the threat of further sanctions, Washington has warned that the option of military action against Iran remains open if Tehran sticks to its defiant line.

Anti-ship missile

In seeking new UN sanctions, Washington is assured the support of Britain and France, both of whom have used stronger language in dealing with Iran, but its unclear whether the other three powers would follow suit.

Russia and China, two of Iran's biggest trading partners, are usually reticent in adopting sanctions and have not commented on Iran's letter to Solana.

Germany, one of whose companies recently signed a controversial contract to build three liquefied natural gas plants in Iran, is also keeping its cards close to its chest.

Amid the continued tensions, Iran said on Monday it had successfully test-fired an anti-ship missile with a range of 300km that would allow it to close the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.

"Given the equipment our armed forces have, an indefinite blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would be very easy," said the commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards, General Mohammad Ali Jafari.

But Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell said that any move by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz would be "self-defeating" because its economy is so heavily dependent on income from oil exports.

Iran 'promises final response'

[Shammu]

If you recall, last August 22^nd 2007 was supposed to be their 'final response". Russia wants to keep talking of course. Nothing will change until we're out of here, hopefully very soon.

[Shammu]

Iran Olympics swimmer in protest against Israel

 
Alirezaei pulls out of Olympic Games men's 100m minutes before competing against Israeli rival.

 
BEIJING - An Iranian swimmer pulled out of the Olympic Games men's 100m breaststroke heats on Saturday, just minutes before he was due to compete against an Israeli rival.

Mohammad Alirezaei's lane one was empty when the field left the starting blocks while Israel's Tom Beeri, starting in lane seven, finished fourth.

Alirezaei had clocked 28/31 seconds in the Golden Bear 2008 which was held in Croatia last June.

Israel, the Middle East region's sole if nuclear power, often attracts Iranian criticism because of Tel Aviv’s treatment of the Palestinian people under illegal Israeli occupation for more forty 40 years.

During the 2004 Athens Olympics, Iran's judo world champion Arash Miresmaeili, one of the country's prominent gold medal hopes, refused to compete against Ehud Vaks of Israel in the first round out of solidarity for the Palestinian cause.

Miresmaeili, twice a winner of the flyweight world title, still received a 5,000-dollar award the Iranian National Olympic Committee had promised to medal winners and he was hailed by former President Mohammad Khatami for his stance.

Beeri made no mention of Saturday's non-appearance of Alirezaei post-race.

"It was okay for me, I have to be happy with that. It was a PB (personal best) for me and a national record, I am focusing on the 200 metres," he said.

"I wasn't nervous, I just came here ready and I wasn't nervous at all."

There had been reports that Iran would compete against Israel at these Olympic Games for the first time since the 1979 revolution.

The Iranian National Olympic Committee (INOC) had said that as there was "no face-to-face situation" in swimming there would be no problem in attending the competition.

"Alirezaei swims in lane one and the representative of the Zionist regime (Israel) in lane seven, so they will not face each other," INOC secretary Ali Kafashian told ISNA news agency prior to the race.

According to ISNA, the country's sports organisation had confirmed that there would no be boycott in the race.

Iran Olympics swimmer in protest against Israel

[HisDaughter]

There called the Olympic GAMES for Pete's sake.  Get over it or go home.  What a bunch of poorsports.

Seriously, it shows what venomous hatred they have for Israel doesn't it.

[Soldier4Christ]

It also looks like he might have been afraid to be embarrassed by having the Israeli swimmer beat him.

 

[Shammu]

Seriously, it shows what venomous hatred they have for Israel doesn't it.

Yes it does sister, and they do need to go home.

[HisDaughter]

It also looks like he might have been afraid to be embarrassed by having the Israeli swimmer beat him.

 

Maybe he's heard the story of David and Goliath.

[Shammu]

I dare you to read this article without laughing!! Not even I can do that!!
~~~~~~~~~

Iran VP: Iranians Are 'Friends' With Israelis

Monday , August 11, 2008

AP
ADVERTISEMENT

TEHRAN, Iran —
Iranian media are quoting the country's vice president as saying Iranians are "friends of all people in the world — even Israelis."

It is a rare comment from a government official in Iran, whose president regularly calls for Israel's destruction.

Several newspapers and the official Web site of Iran's tourism agency on Monday attributed the comment to Vice President Esfandiar Rahim Mashai, who is in charge of Iranian tourism and historical sites.

It is believed to be the first time an official Iranian government Web site has carried an expression of sympathy by an Iranian vice president toward Israelis.

Mashai stressed, however, that his comments did not constitute recognition of Israel's legitimacy.

In late July, Mashai made similar comments, saying: "Iran wants no war with any country, and today Iran is friend of the United States and even Israel.... Our achievements belong to the whole world and should be used for expanding love and peace."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted international criticism when he said in 2005 that he believed Israel would one day be "wiped off the map."

Iran VP: Iranians Are 'Friends' With Israelis
~~~~~~~

I wonder if this guy is related to Baghdad Bob??

Remember in the movie Mars Attacks, that little Martian walking the war torn streets toting around the translator.............."Don't run. We are your friends".