Iranian missile tests prompt US warning

[Silverback]

The US has warned Iran to stop missile testing if it wants to gain the trust of the world, after "war games" in the Gulf today that Iranian officials said were a response to US and Israeli threats.

Iran demonstrated its military force when it test-fired nine long and medium range missiles in the strategic Strait of Hormouz, through which 40% of the world's oil passes.

Speaking from Japan where President George Bush has attended the G8 summit, White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the Iranians should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".

"The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity," he said.

Washington said Iran's development of ballistic missiles violated UN security council resolutions.

But it added that the US was committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the impasse over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Full Story

[Chiron]

Do I hear escalation?

This was predicted after the IDF flew around the Aegean. So then it becomes a Hot summer!

[LEROY]

Do I hear escalation?

"Let's put the women and children to bed and go looking for dinner!"

[Chiron]

Do I hear escalation?

"Let's put the women and children to bed and go looking for dinner!"

[BruteForce]

I just can't figure our Iran's motives. First (earlier this week), they indicate that there will be no conflict and they just accept US rhetoric as chest thumping (oil price per barrel decreases), then one day later, they indicate "their finger is on the trigger" and initiate missile testing.

Iran has been aggravating us for 30 years now, it's probably about time to do more than rhetoric. (like B52's dropping pulled pork and bikini/thongs)

Politicians.. What do they really do for us?

[Chiron]

My guess is that the head cleric Ayatollah what’s his name has been getting tough on politicians and especially Ahmadinejad. That may be the reason for the schizophrenic reactions that Ahmadinejad has been having which is all the more reason to be wary of Iran’s non-predictable politics.

I wonder who has more power in Iran. Either way they are looking at acquiring a huge glass parking lot one day.

[Sleepy Doc]

My guess is that the head cleric Ayatollah what’s his name has been getting tough on politicians and especially Ahmadinejad. That may be the reason for the schizophrenic reactions that has been having which is all the more reason to be wary of Iran’s non-predictable politics.

I wonder who has more power in Iran. Either way they are looking at acquiring a huge glass parking lot one day.

Back a few when Ahmadinejad was playing tit-for-tat with us, I remember reading somewhere that there were strong moderate voices in the Iranian Government. Apparently, at the time they had (and hopefully still have ) enough influence to get him to stand down. They told him to knock off the shit and reminded him no matter what kind of weapons they can get a hold of, the US can (and will) turn it into a glass parking lot, put up a wal-mart, and call the place "East Texas" if they fuck about. From what I understand, it's the reason he abruptly quit rattling the cage a few years back.

How strong that bloc continues to be is anyone's guess. (I'm hoping very..) IMO, Ahmadinejad made his intentions crystal clear back when he was photographed as one of the people leading the blindfolded "infidels" out of the US embassy.