“TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- A top Iranian military official said Tuesday the country can now defend itself against any invasion originating from outside the region - a clear reference to the United States - as it tested a second new radar-avoiding missile.” AP!Related Articles
Iranian officials boasted yesterday that the country is now capable of defending its shores against any possible U.S. invasion and air campaign. At the center of the Iranian defense plan is their new Kowsar missile dubbed the “Stealth Missile.” The Kowsar is a new medium range anti-ship missile which is said to be capable of avoiding radar and therefore missile defense systems. "The missile command of the Guards' naval force ... via positioning various types of surface-to-sea missiles, is able, while defending the coastlines and islands, to confront any extra-territorial invasion." The missile is far more advanced than the 1980’s era Chinese Silkworm anti-ship missile now in service. State run Iranian TV reported a second successful test firing of the missile during a series of war games called "Great Prophet" and that the Kowsar could be easily mass produced.
Iran has also recently tested other weapons systems designed to target oil tankers and U.S. Naval assets. Last Friday, Iran successfully launched a “Fajr-3” missile which is not only said to be radar avoidant but also to have multiple independent warheads capable of hitting several targets simultaneously. Iran also tested two new torpedoes during operation "Great Prophet" that are said to be capable of attacking ships in the Straits of Hormuz, a vital oil passageway. The torpedo called a "Hoot," or "whale" is able to move at up to 223 mph, too fast for any enemy ship to elude. The new torpedoes are of Russian design and were likely built in China. As we previously discussed the three nations seem to be working against the U.S. in the region.
The operational claims made by the Iranian military are most likely exaggerated. The United States said on Monday after the second torpedo test that while Iran may have made "some strides" in its military, it is likely to be exaggerating its capabilities. However, at least part of the Iranian battle plan should the U.S. attack is starting to become clear. At sea, Iran intends to attack oil shipping to drive up the price of crude oil and disrupt worldwide shipments. Iran may also be bold enough to attack U.S. Naval assets should conflict arise over their nuclear program. The timing of the war games were also intended to coincide with the upcoming negotiations over their nuclear weapons program. If true, the new weapon systems would allow Iran to negotiate from a position of greater strength.
Even if the Iranian claims are true, the United States Navy is more than capable of dealing with them. However, an operation against Iran would certainly be more difficult than the invasion of Iraq for the simple fact that Iran may actually shoot back. Iran could pose a threat to the battle fleet if a shooting war were to break out. Nevertheless it is clear that we must deal with Iran before they do gain more effective military capabilities and nuclear weapons. A messy war now is better that a large war down the road. Imagine if the Nazi would have been stopped before they re-armed? We must also somehow diplomatically prevent Russia and China from helping them do so. The U.S. has much more to offer them than just oil. Americans need to wake up to the Iranian threat and act before it is too late.
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