Sunday we found an article on German NTV website reporting on Ataollah Salehi allegedly saying that Iran threatens Israel’s “destruction in 11 days”. On Monday the Middle East Media Research Institute reports somewhat of a different twist to the alleged comments.
Following are excerpts of statements by Iranian military commanders, from a TV report which aired on LBC TV on May 3, 2009.
“I Do Not Think We Will Need More Than 11 Days to Wipe Israel Out Of Existence”
Voiceover: “Nothing can prevent Iranian missiles from targeting the heart of Israel, if Iran is subjected to a military strike by Israel. This was the response of the Iranian military commanders to the Israeli statements about a possible military strike against Iran, because of its insistence on obtaining nuclear energy. Yet an [Israeli] attack seems improbable to the Iranians, because Tel Aviv does not have the ability to go through a war with Tehran.”
Iranian Chief-of-Staff General Hassan Firouzabadi: “We are fully prepared to confront any attack that would threaten the interests of Iran. We have sufficient means and the necessary force to defend our territory.”
General Ataollah Salehi, general commander of the Iranian army: “The truth is that Israel does not have the courage to attack us. If we are subjected to any attack by Israel, I do not think we will need more than 11 days to wipe Israel out of existence.”
Voiceover: “Tehran denies that its military preparations are aimed at attacking any neighboring country. Iran justifies its military preparedness as a means to defend Iran and the region, which may alleviate the fears and concerns of countries in the region.”
“Our Military Capabilities Are Not Meant to Threaten the Neighboring Countries – But Only to Defend Iran” “Our military capabilities are not meant to threaten the neighboring countries, but only to defend Iran. Iran strives for peace, security, and stability with the countries in the region.”
General Reza Pourdastan, commander of the Iranian army ground forces: “The neighboring countries can rest assured that by no means will we attack any country.”
Voiceover: “But fears about Iran’s missiles remain, especially among Western countries, concerned that Iran might arm its missiles with nuclear warheads, since the superpowers doubt that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. This is categorically denied by Tehran, which says that according to the shari’a and the law, it is forbidden to obtain a nuclear bomb.”
General Yahya Rahim Safavi, Khamenei’s chief advisor on military affairs:
To view this clip on MEMRI TV.
Is this the same comments that NTV reported on? If so, then why is the use of words totally different? Who has the agenda here? Something definitely smells fishy…
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As an American living in Israel, this is pretty scary stuff. 11 days, from the date of the report, May 3, is May 14, the Gregorian calendar date for Israel’s Independence Day.
There are signs that something ominous is going on, A-jad’s cancellation and the Syrian Scud upgrade test. Syria has huge stockpiles of VX nerve gas – most of which was moved – and tracked by Israeli satellite – from Iraq to Syria and Lebanon’s Beka in 2003 just before the US started the war to topple Saddam. Both the Hizbonazis and Hamas has been relatively “quiet” lately. Too quiet for my taste.
I agree Redwine – this is scary stuff, for all of us. I’ve been watching the development of this puzzle too. And something is definately brewing!
Its like every key military is on “All Hands On Deck” mode, for something at ANY time to go down… And I’m curious to see if anything comes about on Israel’s Independence Day (May 14th).
I love the fresh news, its different than what the MSM is spoon-feeding us here in U.S.
My warmest regards go out to you Redwine and your family, if you have any there with you. It has be very nervous situation. Lets pray that nothing comes about this.