Iran can be bombed says General Petraeus
Telegraph.co.uk / Alex Spillius
10-Jan-2010 (9 comments)

Gen David Petraeus, head of Central Command or Centcom, did not elaborate on the plans, but said the military has considered the impacts of any action taken there.

Asked about the vulnerability of Iran's nuclear installations, he told CNN: "Well, they certainly can be bombed. The level of effect would vary with who it is that carries it out, what ordnance they have, and what capability they can bring to bear."

He added: "It would be almost literally irresponsible if Centcom were not to have been thinking about the various 'what ifs' and to make plans for a whole variety of different contingencies."

Iran maintains its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but the United States and other Western nations fear Tehran wants to acquire nuclear weapons.

Israel has called Iran's nuclear programme the major threat facing its nation. Gen Petraeus declined to comment about Israel's military capabilities, according to CNN.

Iran had until the end of last year to accept a deal offered five permanent UN Security Council members – Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany.

It did not do so. Instead, Tehran gave the West until the end of January to accept its own proposal.

Petraeus said he thought there was still time for the nations to engage Iran in diplomacy, noting there is no deadline on the enactment of any US contingency plans.

But he added that "there's a period of time, certainly, before all ... >>>

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YMJ

The fact is

by YMJ on Mon Jan 11, 2010 03:06 PM PST

America is desperate, not the Islmic Republic of Iran with a voter turnout of 85%! People forget who the Iranian nation voted for.

 Even Mousavi who is leading the opposition in Iran was a hardliner during his PM days.


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Anonymouse

Abarmard jaan I believe this is just "plans".

by Anonymouse on Mon Jan 11, 2010 06:04 AM PST

They have to have "plans" don't they?  Planning is part of being the largest military in the world.

This weekend I was thinking desparate people do desparate things.  What if as a last resort the regime decides to strike somewhere and make some kind of a war with someone?  Maybe at some point they see this as their last and best tactic to stay in power?

I'm not saying they'll do it or this is justification for war planning by US, I'm just saying this statement is not a big deal but things are changing in the region.  I think if there is a war in Iran, it won't be like Iraq and Afghanistan.  What'd Russia do?  Would they agree to allow their southern border blanketed by US? They may want an east/west/north/south Iran or some really horrible scenario. 

Everything is sacred.


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Abarmard

Will the region be safer?

by Abarmard on Mon Jan 11, 2010 05:41 AM PST

Absolutely not. Think again.


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YMJ

They CANT bomb Iran

by YMJ on Mon Jan 11, 2010 02:40 AM PST

If they could, they would have. They allready have so many bases all around Iran. Have occupied its neighbours, but the reality on the ground is that they cant afford a war. Especially not with a country which CAN defend itself. Plust they dont have enough troops, they would have to call in a draft and start an all out war.

 Also, America has spent over 400 million dollars to OVERTHROW the regime because they know military force and bombing can not achieve anything!

 


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Monda

Bavafa,

by Monda on Sun Jan 10, 2010 10:14 PM PST

You said it my friend!


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obama

US LAWS: LAW OF THE JUNGLE, not UN! UN for dummies!

by obama on Sun Jan 10, 2010 09:54 PM PST

UN was created as another tool to implement their own imperialist agendas - not meant to restrict US' atrocities. US if it wasn't shy and restricted by world opinion, would bomb the world if it would serve its interests.

Has no Shame! Goes all the way from this side of the world to 8,000 mile away to bomb and come back! This is why IRAN should be strong to stand up to the bullies, that includes the bomb, unfortuantely! The weak would never get any respect, they would be mulled over. After all, we are dealing with a cow boy mentality.


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The Phantom Of The Opera

It's getting ominous

by The Phantom Of The Opera on Sun Jan 10, 2010 09:16 PM PST

I think this year is "the year" of action; either way. This farcical soap opera of negotiations and offers VS counter-offers can't go on forever. What I don't know is the degree of their reliance on the present popular uprising inside Iran. Why should they wait?(from their own perspective, that is). And I don't think we should rely on their bitter memories of the past mistakes; if they consider the stakes high enough, in my opinion, they'll act nonetheless.   

The Pahlavis, all mullahs, and all public figures associated with the Green Movement  must disclose the source and the amount of their wealth/income.


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Bavafa

General Petrause ghalat kard yek hamchin zeri zad

by Bavafa on Sun Jan 10, 2010 08:26 PM PST

in goohi ro ke to Eragh khordan tamom konan hala.

Mehrdad


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mahmoudg

Hallellujah, General

by mahmoudg on Sun Jan 10, 2010 07:56 PM PST

We have been  saying this for some time now.  The only way to end the rule of the Mullahs and hence rid the world of fundementalist islamic support is to surgically attack the assets and military establishments of the IRI.  You have finally realized this is the only way to end this regime and free the Iranians.  This scenario would be less costly in lives than the civil war which Iran is moving towards.  In the process some basij and Pasdars will perish, but that is a good thing for all parties concerned.


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