Iran has a new potential target if their nuclear program is attacked: the NATO missile defense system in Turkey. According to the Iranian Fars News Agency, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said they have prepared and “if any threat is staged against Iran, we will target NATO’s missile shield in Turkey and will then attack other targets.”
While the NATO efforts are more traditionally thought as serving Europe, Iran claimed they were instead intended to protect Israel. However, the Jewish State already has its own missile defense system, and the United States is cooperating in its ongoing development.
According to the IRGC Aerospace commander, Tehran may be able to rely on the Turks themselves to take down the missile defense shield if need be. “The Turkish people are aware (of everything) and we are sure that Turkey’s Muslims will stop this plot by themselves,” Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by Fars, adding, “We are sure that the Muslim people of Turkey will promptly cut these systems into pieces under threatening conditions.”
The Iranians routinely make threats, typically warning of retaliation if attacked. Tehran likely has several ways to respond should their nuclear program be hit. The West accuses Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. In recent weeks there have been reports of discussions or preparations for military action on Iran if necessary.
(By Staff, www.themideastupdate.com, November 27, 2011)