Things are rapidly coming to a head in West Asia. Last month, Israel conducted long-range air exercises over the Mediterranean, interpreted as a signal that Iran should desist from the trajectory upon which they are accused of having set their nuclear programme. For all practical purposes, it was a dress rehearsal; should permission be given soon to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, both the Israeli and US administrations want the IDF to be ready. Many, in fact, view the present period of presidential transition in America as the most opportune from Israel’s viewpoint for attacking Iran; a possible Obama administration, it is feared, might not be as sympathetic to Israeli concerns as the present administration.

This weekend, it was the Iranians’ turn to rattle a few sabres. As part of naval exercises at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran test-fired a number of missiles over two successive days, including some that are capable of striking Israel. These tests follow a warning from Iran earlier that Tehran would strike Tel Aviv and American interests in West Asia if attacked. While this last development can be read essentially as Iran trying to manufacture a deterrent, there is nevertheless real danger from this escalation of the confrontation already under way between Iran and the West over its nuclear programme.

Details about the recent tests will take some time to confirm; doubts are already emerging about Iranian claims, given the fact that one of the pictures of the missiles taking off was apparently doctored. However, it appears that the missiles tested were both long- and medium-range, including the Shahab-3, which can reportedly hit targets over a distance of 2000 km, and can carry nuclear warheads.

... contd.