Pentagon developing battle plans for attack against Iran
By JPOST.COM STAFF
As Washington continues to push a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue, the Pentagon is developing different options by which President Bush can solve the crisis militarily,Time magazine reported on Monday.
According to the report, the operation would target between 18 and 30 nuclear reactors throughout the country, as well as some 1,500 related targets.
US Military intelligence reports that while some of the reactors are openly functioning, others are either hidden or disguised as factories. Those that are hidden underground are suspected to be reinforced by layers of concrete. Because of this complication, the army predicts that there will be a need to repeatedly strike such targets to ensure either total destruction, or, at the very least, serious damage.
According to the report, an attack of this type would likely last a couple of days, and would utilize a vast array of military technology. Weapons being discussed include laser-guided and satellite-guided missiles, stealth bombers and fighters, spy planes and drones.
Currently no source in Washington is discussing a ground invasion, as was done in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the report, the Pentagon's aim would be to strictly delay the Iranian nuclear program, a goal, it believes, could be achieved from the air.
Sources told the magazine that the attack may delay Iranian nuclear development by two or three years. |
