Iran Nuclear Hot Spot Now The Target – UK Dusts Off Familiar Diego Garcia Attack Plan
ISRAEL yesterday tested a long-range Jericho missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads racking up a bellicose scenario as Britain’s Defence Chiefs began to dust off and assess US plans to attack Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Iran.
US President Barack Obama and his team are said to have now turned their sights on Teheran’s nuclear capability and are gearing up to attack and destroy it. Obama would be reluctant to attack before next November’s election campaign but the expected warnings from a nuclear investigation team may leave little choice.
The news leaks have the feel of a well-orchestrated Kiwi haka…lots of face pulling and tongues out but little real threat…as yet.
The US is believed to have warned it may be considering an attack and Britain will be a willing participant …without – so far – a single discussion or vote in Parliament.
The Guardian says the UK’s Ministry of Defence knows the US is prepared to speed up plans if the nuclear inspectors’ report, due out very soon, says Iran is seeking a nuclear arms capability. It is expected to do so.
Here we go again.
The Indian Ocean Island of Diego Garcia – part of the British Indian Ocean Territory used almost exclusively by the US as a military base under an agreement made in 1971 – will play a big part since almost 400 bunker buster bombs are already on site at the UK- owned military airport. This means USA B2 stealth bombers can arm up and be in easy range of all Middle East targets.
As Anorak predicted 18 months ago – before Gaddafi’s Libya got in the way of the bellicose thoughts of solutions to the Iranian Question.
Bunker Buster Bombs To Diego Garcia As US Prepares To Attack Iran
In Pictures: US Prepares To Attack Iran From Diego Garcia
According to today’s Scotsman:
“British officials are thought to have told Washington that if it pushes ahead it will receive UK military help for any mission, despite some reservations within the coalition. Planners in the
MoD are understood to be deciding where best to deploy Royal Navy vessels in the event of strikes being carried out against Iran. The plans involve the use of Royal Navy ships as well as submarines based in the Clyde, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles over the coming months as part of what would be an air and sea campaign.”
UK Defence Chiefs are believed to have once again emphasised to Premier David Cameron the mothballing of the aircraft carrier the Ark Royal is “not helpful” in the new support role.
Truth to tell it was only ever a light aircraft carrier and not in the best of condition or capabilities. It was dated when launched.
The Harrier aircraft it carried have also been scrapped…and the UK has NO flat top carrier capability and has not for years.
Israel regards Iran as its biggest threat and wants the belligerent government brought to heel or down. Iran has developed rocket technology to the point where it could deliver war heads into the heart of Israel.
The Guardian says it has spoken to Whitehall and defence officials who said Iran was once again the focus of diplomatic concern after the revolution in Libya.
It reports:
“They made clear that Barack Obama, has no wish to embark on a new and provocative military venture before next November’s presidential election.
But they warned the calculations could change because of mounting anxiety over intelligence gathered by western agencies, and the more belligerent posture that Iran appears to have been taking.
Hawks in the US are likely to seize on next week’s report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is expected to provide fresh evidence of a possible nuclear weapons programme in Iran.”
There is another view: Obama may not have the political will to get embroiled in yet another Middle-East military action and these well-leaked leads of Defence Departments dusting off plans could be Global sabre rattling.
The major headache may be the diminutive Mahmoud Ahmadinejad does not scare easily and capable of brinkmanship along with the best of them. His last appearance at the United Nations in September, when he launched an outright attack on the West, sparked walk outs. He later also criticised the killing of Osama bin Laden instead of bringing him to trial.
The man can play an audience as well as the best of the centre world stage theatrical hoofers.
Ahmadinejad at the United Nations
He has defied world-opinion and pressed on with “peaceful” nuclear development in Iran and apparently has nerves of steel. He is no fool and an accomplished and skilful politician. He is also belligerent.
The West’s Hawks may find they will have to put up – lock, load and launch – or shut up and that is a very dangerous game.
Posted: 3rd, November 2011 | In: Key Posts, Reviews Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
