Here is one element of that strategy. Can you add one more? And who might be behind that strategy?
Iranian Missile May Be Able to Hit U.S. by 2015
- FOXNews.com
U.S. Defense Department report also says Iranians have gone to great lengths to protect its nuclear infrastructure from physical destruction including using buried and hardened facilities.
recommend (0)
AP
April 18: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, second left, listens to his Defense Minister, Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, as a rocket is paraded during National Army Day.
"With sufficient foreign assistance, Iran could probably develop and test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States by 2015," says a new 12 page unclassified report prepared by the Department of Defense on the Iran Military Threat.
The report says Iran's military strategy is designed to defend against external or "hard" threats from the United States and Israel. "Iran's nuclear program and its willingness to keep open the possibility to develop nuclear weapons is a central part of its deterrent strategy," according to the report.
Iran continues being a disruptive force inside Iraq, it alleges.
"Iran continues to provide money, weapons and training to select Iraqi Shia militants despite pledges by senior Iranian officials to stop such support," the report says. "Iran also offers strategic and operational guidance to militias and terrorist groups to target U.S. Forces in Iraq and undermine U.S. interests."
It also outlines what Defense Secretary Robert Gates has called Tehran playing a "double game" inside Afghanistan.
Regarding the effectiveness of Iranian Conventional Forces, "Iran maintains very sizeable military forces, but they would be relatively ineffective against a direct assault by well trained, sophisticated military such as that of the United States or its allies."
It does judge
Iran's unconventional forces, which include paramilitary forces, "would present a formidable force on Iranian territory."
The report outlines Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities and developments saying it is "keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," which is consistent with what we've heard from a wide range of U.S. officials. It says the Iranians have gone to great lengths to protect its nuclear infrastructure from physical destruction including using buried and hardened facilities.
The final aspects of the report review the regime's efforts to improve ballistic and cruise missile capabilities.
The secretary of defense is required as part of the National Defense Authorization Act to submit a classified and unclassified report on the current and future military strategy of Iran.
Subscribe to Comments- Latest Politics Video
- jcarousel-item-1-horizontal"">
April 19, 2010Tue, 20 Apr 2010 01:51:35 GMT
Opinion
Most Active In Politics
| Job Approval | Approve | Disapprove | Spread |
| Obama | 48.4% | 47.0% | +1.4% |
| Congress | 22.8% | 71.2% | -48.4% |
| Direction of Country | Right Direction | Wrong Track | Spread |
| RCP Average | 36.6% | 58.0% | -21.4% |
- GOP Split Over How to Win in Fall
April 19, 2010
- Finance Overhaul Remains in Flux
April 19, 2010
- SEC Split Over Goldman Case
April 20, 2010
- Derivatives Overhaul Receives a Boost
April 19, 2010
- Paulson Gave to Both Parties
April 19, 2010
Replies