Iran is getting nervous.
Iran Redeploys Shihab-3 Missiles
Iran, concerned over an Israeli or U.S. attack, has ordered the redeployment of its Shihab-3 intermediate-range missile force.
Western intelligence sources said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard has received orders to move Shihab-3 launchers in an attempt to prevent their destruction in an Israeli or U.S. air strike. The sources said the launchers were relocated to positions near the Iraqi border closer to U.S. military positions around Baghdad.
“The IRGC has been placed on war-footing,” an intelligence source said. “The Shihab-3 units have been alerted to the prospect of an immediate strike.”
The sources said the IRGC issued an order to the Shihab-3 missile units on Jan. 19. They said the units were ordered to move the Shihab launchers every 24 hours.
Iranians have a reason to be concerned.
President George W. Bush vowed on Wednesday the United States would defend Israel militarily if needed against Iran and denounced Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for “menacing talk” against Israel.
In a Reuters interview aboard Air Force One en route to Nashville, Bush also said he saw a “very good chance” the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency would refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.
“I am concerned about a person that, one, tries to rewrite the history of the Holocaust, and two, has made it clear that his intentions are to destroy Israel,” Bush said.
“Israel is a solid ally of the United States, we will rise to Israel’s defense if need be. So this kind of menacing talk is disturbing. It’s not only disturbing to the United States, it’s disturbing for other countries in the world as well,” he added.
Asked if he meant the United States would rise to Israel’s defense militarily, Bush said: “You bet, we’ll defend Israel.”
That’s what I like about George W. Bush. He says what he means.
If Iran continues down this path, its destruction is certain. Ahmadinejad has done nothing to prove he isn’t a lunatic. He’s reckless, and he’ll lead his nation toward destruction if he doesn’t wake up and realize that he is picking a fight he can’t win.