Iran plans new war games

2006-08-17 20:43

Tehran - Iran will launch a series of large-scale military manoeuvres across the country and has not made plans for an end to the ongoing war games, the army said on Thursday.

"The manoeuvres are aimed at introducing Iran's new defensive doctrine," military spokesperson Mohammad Reza Ashtiani was quoted as saying by state-run television.

He said the exercises would begin on Saturday in the south east of the country.

"It will continue in the whole of Iran, stage by stage for an unspecified period," Ashtiani said.

The announcement came as Iran faces heightened international scrutiny because of its contentious nuclear program and for supporting Hezbollah.

Iran denies Israeli accusations it is arming and training Hezbollah fighters.

Ashtiani praised Hezbollah for its month-long fight against Israel.

"Human forces can decide fate of a war.

"We saw it in Lebanon," the general said, echoing Hezbollah claims it won the war by resisting a massive bombing and ground offensive for more than a month before a UN-brokered cease-fire came into place earlier this week.

The military spokesperson said Iran's manoeuvres reflected the current level of tension in the Middle East.

"We have to be prepared against any threat and we should be a role model for other countries," local newspapers quoted Ashtiani as saying.

"Our army is ready to defuse all plots against Islamic Republic of Iran."

The military exercise, involving 12 infantry regiments, is called "The Blow of Zolfaghar," in reference to a sword that belonged to Imam Ali, one of the most revered figures of Islam for Shi'ite Muslims.

A majority of Iran's 70 million populations are Shi'ite.

Border patrols

On Wednesday, the interior ministry said that Iran also planned to boost security patrols on its borders.

Ministry spokesperson Mostafa Pourmohammadi said the move targeted smugglers.

Drug traffickers killed 8 police officers during a fire fight in southeastern Iran last week.

Iran has routinely held war games over the past two decades to improve its combat readiness and test locally made equipment such as missiles, tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

In April, Tehran launched its biggest military manoeuvres so far, during which it said it tested several advanced weaponry including missiles.

The Islamic Republic, which views the United States as an arch foe, is concerned about the US military presence in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tehran also concerned about Israel's threats to destroy its nuclear facilities.

- AP