Iran's Minorities on Military Parade

At the Iran Military Day Parade, minority members of Iran's military show their solidarity with the Meehan (motherland), parading in full ethnic dress. Top to bottom: Kurds, Torkomans, Arabs and the Lur.

Iran's S-200 and Hawk SAM Systems

Top to bottom:
- S-200 surface-to-air missile (SAM) in flight
- S-200 on transport at the 2007 Military Day Parade
- Hawk surface-to-air missile (SAM) test launch
- Hawks on transport at the 2008 Military Day Parade

Iran's C-802 and HY-2 Silkworm Missiles

Top to bottom:
- C-802 anti-ship missile fired from IRIS Sabalan
- C-802 close up, ship launch
- C-802 fired from land
- HY-2 Silkworm on launcher
- HY-2 Silkworm prep for launch

McCain on Iran

Republican presidential nominee John McCain pointed his finger at his Democratic rival Barack Obama for his “inexperience and reckless judgment” in advocating engagement with nations such as Iran.

This type of rhetoric during an elections season has been a stable of “get tough” campaigns, often directed in the past two decades or so at Iran. Ronald Reagan ran on a tough Iran platform against Carter, only to strike a major secret arms deal with the Islamic Republic when he became president, an affair that came to be known as Iran-Contra.

McCain’s argument that US presidents can only engage with friendly countries and must shy away from adversaries shows his lack of expertise and knowledge of international relations, notwithstanding his repeated claims to the contrary.

Iran became an influential player in the region thanks in part to the policies of the current administration. Our policies in Iraq and “disengaging” with Iran created a stronger Iran. McCain has been fully supportive of these policies.

Obama’s proposal for engaging the adversaries, while understanding and dealing with their real threats, is derived by common sense, and that’s why it is so powerful. Iran, North Korea, and other US adversaries each pose their own degree of threats to our national interests. They have to be dealt with in a rational manner proportionate to the degrees of threat they pose.

“Obliterating” Iran, as Hillary Clinton likes to say, or “bomb, bomb, bomb Iran” as McCain likes to sing, have nothing to do with rational foreign policy, does not weaken the Islamic Republic and can and will produce its opposite effect.

The current White House has “engaged” Iran on Iraqi security (they have held three ambassadorial meetings in Baghdad dealing with security issues in Iraq). McCain and his straight talk express have yet to accuse President Bush of “reckless judgment.”

Iranian MANPADS

The Iranian Army operates SA-7 Strela 2M and SA-14 Strela 3 man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). In addition, Iran manufactures its own indigenously developed Misagh-1 and 2. The Misagh-1 is an all-aspect passive infrared homing system. It is a variant of the Chinese QW-1 Vanguard missile system. The Misagh-2 (bottom two photos) is an advanced version of the Mithaq-1 air-defense system. It features a fire and forget infrared seeker, has an effective range of 5000 meters, a maximum altitude of 3500 meters and a maximum velocity of Mach 2.

The Unites States has yet to display one of these Iranian units from the Iraqi battlefield. In the event of open hostilities between the US and Iran, use of Iranian supplied MANPADS in Iraq is likely.

Iranian Combat Motorbike Tactics in Iraq

Members of the Mahdi Army have been photographed using Iranian combat motorbike tactics. As developed during the Imposed War (1980-88), the Iranians met with a measure of success using two-man motorcycle teams, with a rider and gunner per bike. Armament consists of RPG-7 type rocket propelled grenade. Top photo depicts Mahdi Army militia members in action using this type of combat arrangement. Pictured below is a unit of Iranian soldiers at the 2008 Military Day Parade in Tehran. Note the same arrangement.

Vessels of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy

Top to bottom:

- P313-9 Hadid and two other Houdong class missile boats.
- P313-10 Qadir, Houdong class missile boat.
- P313-7 Me'raj, Houdong class missile boat.
- Iran's VP on board Houdong class missile boat, note Pasdaran insignia.
- Pasdran speed boats in action.

Ships of the Iranian Navy Pt. 2

Top to bottom:

- Nahang, Nahang class submarine
- Hovercraft
- P224 Paykan, Sina class missile boat
- P227 Samshir, Kaman class missile boat
- 73 Sabalan, Saam class (Vosper Mk5 type) frigate and 421 Bandar Abbas, Bandar Abbas class light replenishment ship

Ships of the Iranian Navy Pt. 1

Top to bottom:

- 71 Alvand, Saam class (Vosper Mk5 type) frigate
- P226 Falakhon, Kaman class missile boat
- Nahang, Nahang class submarine and Kaman class missile boats
- 411 Kangan, Kangan class water tanker
- 73 Sabalan, Saam class (Vosper Mk5 type) frigate

Iran-IAEA Talks Ends With No Results

A high-ranking delegation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) finished their three-day talks in Tehran with the officials of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization without resolving the issue of “alleged studies.”

Iran had agreed with IAEA to answer allegations that it studied how to design nuclear bombs. On 23 April, IAEA Chief Mohammad ElBaradei announced the agreement with Iran and called it a “milestone.” The IAEA delegation was in Tehran to resolve the issue. IAEA officials did not announce readiness for any further negotiations on the issue.

This week Iran offered its own package of proposal to defuse the nuclear standoff. But Western diplomats said Iran’s proposals will not be considered unless Tehran suspends its uranium enrichment activities.

The collapse of the latest round of talk in Tehran would now add to tensions surrounding the program.

Iran Ballistic Missile Gallery Pt. 2

Top to bottom: Shahab-3A in flight,, Zelzal-1 and 2 launch, Shahab-1 on mobile launcher, Shahab-2 on mobile launcher, Shahab and Zelzal types on mobile launchers.

Iran's ballistic missiles are incorporated into a defense based upon deterrence. They are intended for retaliatory strikes against forces initiating war on Iran.

Iran Ballistic Missile Gallery Pt. 1

Top to bottom: Shahab-3 and Shahab-1 in ready positions on mobile launchers, Shahab-3A launch, Zelzal-1 launch, Zelzal-2s in ready positions on mobile launchers, Zelzal-2 launch and Shahab-3 in launch preparation.

Russia Urges Security Guarantees for Iran

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today called on six major powers to offer Iran "firm security guarantees" in a bid to settle the nuclear issue.

"The Sextet could make the next step and clearly place concrete proposals and security guarantees for Iran on the negotiating table," lavrov said [Interfax, 14 May].

Receiving security guarantees from major powers, and especially from the US, has always been a key Iranian demand to halt the country’s uranium enrichment program. Iran wanted the assurance that the US and its allies would not attack the country and accept the Islamic Republic; a policy of regime tolerance instead of regime change.

Earlier this month, Iran presented its own set of proposals to Russians. Today's comments by Lavrov make public Iran’s pre-condition for settling the nuclear standoff with the West.

Basij Student Military Instruction

The Basij (Baseej-e Mostaz'afin or "The Mobilized Oppressed"), is a volunteer based Iranian National Guard force founded by order of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on November 1979. There is a local Basij organization in nearly every city in Iran. They serve as an auxiliary paramilitary force engaged in activities such as law enforcement, emergency management, social service provider and religious ceremonial organization. The Basij are subordinate to, and obey the orders of, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Foremost, they consitute the homeguard for Iran against foreign invasion, and number in the millions. Pictured above are student volunteers in training.

Saudi Warns Iran over Lebanon

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal warned Iran not to continue its support of Hezbollah’s “coup” in Lebanon.

“Iran's relations with all Arab countries -- if not all Islamic countries -- would be affected if Iran was supporting the coup that took place in Lebanon,” Faisal said [AFP, 13 May].

Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad immediately accused Faisal of following his own agenda in Lebanon, even ignoring the wishes of Saudi King Abdullah.

“Out of respect to His Excellency King Abdullah, I will not respond to Saudi Foreign Minister’s comments,” Ahmadinejad told reporters in Tehran today. “I do remember when we came to an understanding with King Abdullah to form a joint ad-hoc committee to resolve Lebanese problems, al-Faisal said they could resolve the problems by themselves” [Fars News Agency, 13 May 2008]

Ahmadinejad declared that “Iran is the only country that does not interfere in Lebanon.”

Faisal’s comments came after six days of deadly sectarian fighting between Iranian- and Syrian-baked Hezbollah-led alliance of Shia militias and their junior Christian and Sunni partners against US- and Saudi-backed Siniora government supported by Hariri’s Future Movement and Jumblatt’s Druze militias.

British Marines Observed at Iranian Border

Fars is reporting the spotting of British Marines near the Iranian border:

Close to 60 British marines were seen patrolling near the Iranian border of Shalamcheh in groups of 20, carrying light weapons and with the apparent intention of monitoring the condition of the sealed border crossing," sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Press TV. These British units are deployed along the Iraqi border with Iran, using Apache helicopters, the sources said. Over 300 American and British forces are currently stationed some 10 km from the Iranian border of Shalamcheh in the Iraqi town of Tanumeh. Members of the terrorist group, the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), have reportedly been sighted among them in American [type] uniforms.

The Iranians are reporting observations of Coalition military movements at their border, with references to physical ties with a terrorist organization known as the MKO. This could be a ratcheting up of an information war, coming on the heels of Iran's disclosure of terrorism as the cause of the recent Shiraz mosque bombing. It also comes during a time of US accusation that Iran is directly involved in arming and training Iraqi Shia militias for fighting inside Iraq.

Bush: Iran, the Single Biggest Threat in Middle East

US President George W. Bush today called Iran the “single biggest threat” to peace in the Middle East. Bush was answering a question at Israel’s Channel 10 TV, “To me it's the single biggest threat to peace in the Middle East, the Iranian regime.” [AFP, 12 May].

Bush blamed Iran for the situation in Lebanon, “Their funding of Hezbollah -- look what's happening in Lebanon now, a young democracy trying to survive.”

“By the way it's in Israel's interest that the Lebanese democracy survives. You need to be concerned about Iran and you are concerned about Iran and so are we,” Bush said.

Bush is to arrive in Israel on Wednesday on a three-day stay in celebration of Israel’s 60th birthday. The president will also visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He will also meet Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordanian King Abdullah in Egypt.

Iran Open Source Reading List Three

This week's reading list provides perspectives on Iran that include the war in Iraq, terrorism inside Iran and the positioning of the US Fleet for possible War in Iran. Greg Bruno provides a roundup of the war of words taking place between the US and Iran over Iraq, including charges that Iran is equipping and training Shia militias. Carah Ong takes note of the recent disclosure of terrorism inside Iran and asks the question: "Has the war already started?" And Galrahn provides a summary of events related to the US Navy and the Persian Gulf, past present and future, as possible signs of an impending war with Iran.

A War of Words with Iran by Greg Bruno
Council of Foreign Relations

Has the War Already Started? by Carah Ong
Iran Nuclear Watch

The Fleet Positions Itself For War by Galrahn
Information Dissemination

US National Security Council plans strike on Iran

Philip Giraldi of American Conservative posted yesterday:

"There is considerable speculation and buzz in Washington today suggesting that the National Security Council has agreed in principle to proceed with plans to attack an Iranian al-Qods-run camp that is believed to be training Iraqi militants. The camp that will be targeted is one of several located near Tehran. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates was the only senior official urging delay in taking any offensive action. The decision to go ahead with plans to attack Iran is the direct result of concerns being expressed over the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, where Iranian ally Hezbollah appears to have gained the upper hand against government forces and might be able to dominate the fractious political situation. The White House contacted the Iranian government directly yesterday through a channel provided by the leadership of the Kurdish region in Iraq, which has traditionally had close ties to Tehran. The US demanded that Iran admit that it has been interfering in Iraq and also commit itself to taking steps to end the support of various militant groups. There was also a warning about interfering in Lebanon. The Iranian government reportedly responded quickly, restating its position that it would not discuss the matter until the US ceases its own meddling employing Iranian dissident groups. The perceived Iranian intransigence coupled with the Lebanese situation convinced the White House that some sort of unambiguous signal has to be sent to the Iranian leadership, presumably in the form of cruise missiles. It is to be presumed that the attack will be as “pinpoint” and limited as possible, intended to target only al-Qods and avoid civilian casualties. The decision to proceed with plans for an attack is not final. The President will still have to give the order to launch after all preparations are made."

Beirut as Seen from Tehran

On Saturday, hours before the Hezbollah agreed to withdraw its gunmen from the streets of Beirut, Keyhan’s headline read, “Beirut in Control of Lebanon’s Sons.” Keyhan is Tehran’s influential conservative daily.

Hezbollah’s seizure of Beirut received prominent coverage in Iranian media. Hassan Nasrallah's news conference was broadcast live on all major TV stations.

The press was highly critical of Prime Minister Siniora and his government. Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a staunch Siniora ally, was seen as the man who actually pulls the strings, the man who pushed through the government’s recent anti-Hezbollah decrees that led to the uprising.

The US was seen as the architect of the government’s decrees, wanting the resumption of the civil war in the country, presumably to pave the way for an Israeli attack on Lebanon.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini blamed US and Israeli “adventurism” for the chaos, “US and Israeli irresponsible interferences in Lebanon's internal affairs is the root cause for the ongoing political crisis and chaotic conditions there.”

And there are many government officials who can not hide their pleasure of seeing Hezbollah’s de facto takeover of the country. Added to the situation in Basra and Gaza, Iran’s influence in the Arab World has never been seen to be as high.

Iran Defends the Three Islands

The Three Islands

The Hurmuz Strait . Persian Gulf

To the north is Iran's Qeshm Island; to the east is the UAE

(To enlarge the map, click on it)

In the latest episode involving the three islands of Abu Moussa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs in the Persian Gulf, the Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Iraqi ambassador to Tehran to protest over Baghdad’s support for UAE’s claim over the islands [Tehran Times, 8 May]. The Iraqi move came after the Arab League Summit held on 30 March in Damascus renewed its call on Iran to end its “occupation” of the islands.

The controversy over the three islands goes back to early 1970s when the British were pulling out of the Persian Gulf. They put pressure on the shah’s government to renounce Iran’s historical claim over Bahrain in return for the three islands, which also had long been claimed by Iran. Shah agreed and Iran occupied the three islands.

Shah's renunciation of Iran’s claims over Bahrain happened when Bahrain became part of the Federation of Arab Emirates (FAE). In return, the FAE (which included today’s UAE) accepted Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands. In 1971, Bahrain reneged on its membership at FAE and the newly-formed UAE reneged on recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the islands.

Iran has built a permanent military base in Abu Moussa, the biggest and most important of the three.