Thu, Jul 10, 2008
Tensions Escalate Between Countries
Two can play at that game. In response to a second straight day
of missile tests by its belligerent Islamic neighbor, on Thursday
the state of Israel publicly displayed the advanced reconnaissance
plane it says can keep a close watch over goings-on in Iran. The
unveiling comes as tensions between the two countries, and the US,
continue to increase.
FOX News reports state-run Israel Aerospace Industries planned
to show off the "Eitam,"
a highly-modified Gulfstream G550 fitted with
sophisticated intelligence-gathering systems (above), during an
in-house exhibit Thursday.
Israel's move is the latest in an escalating war of words -- and
actions -- concerning Iran. On Thursday, Iran launched a second
battery of short-and-medium-range missiles near the Strait of
Hormuz, following up its firing of nine missiles the day before.
The Strait is an important strategic waterway, used to transport
some 40 percent of the world's oil supply, according to ABC
News.
Iran maintains the tests were purely defensive in nature, to
show the country is capable of retaliating against an Israeli -- or
US -- attack. Few in Washington or Tel Aviv believe it,
however.
"We are sending a message to Iran that we will defend American
interests and the interests of our allies," US Secretary Of State
Condoleeza Rice said Wednesday, on the third day of her brief trip
to Eastern Europe to shore up support for a US missile shield
there.
US officials confirmed Thursday Iran is expected to take
delivery of a similar, Russian-made missile shield by the end of
the year.
Israel says it will attack Iranian nuclear facilities if the
country continues to develop technology that could be used to
create an atomic warhead. Iran says its use of nuclear power is
peaceful in nature.
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