Amid the continuing diplomacy over the interim nuclear deal signed last month, the Revolutionary Guards did a bit of chest-thumping and challenged Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday.Guards commander Mohammad Ali Jafari declared:
If today, the enemy strikes us with thousands of bombs via a large number of sorties, [only] 10 to 20 percent of the IRGCs missile capability might be destroyed. Furthermore, the IRGCs military might is not limited to its missile power, but it is a strategic power for the [Islamic] Establishment.
Jafaris statement followed Zarifs alleged remark that the US could take out Irans defense system owith a single bomb.
The commander said the Foreign Ministers remarks are incorrect: We consider him a seasoned and experienced diplomat, but he has no experience in military affairs and this is why he has made this remark.
Jafari explained that the Guards missiles can reach Israel.
He added that Irans restraint meant the US and Western Europe were beyond Iranian strikes: We can still upgrade the range of missiles, but for the time being, on the order of the [Supreme] Leader, we have limited the range of our missiles to 2,000 kilometers.
Technical Talks on Nuclear Deal Extended to Wednesday
Technical talks between Iran and the 5+1 Powers on the interim nuclear deal have been extended to Wednesday.
Irans Ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Reza Najafi, said the meetings in Vienna have been satisfactory.
The two sides are discussing implementation of Irans suspension of enrichment of 20% uranium in return for the lifting of some US-led sanctions.
By EA WorldView
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