Iran deploys latest long-range missile system at nuclear facility
Images were seen in Iran of an S-300 missile carrier raising the missiles toward the sky in the proximity of a prominent nuclear site.
By JPOST.COM STAFFUpdated: AUGUST 29, 2016 09:08Satellite image shows a nuclear facility in Iran(photo credit: REUTERS)
Tehran deployed a Russian-made long-range missile system to increase the defense of the Fordo nuclear facility, Iranian state television said Sunday, according to an AFP report.The commander of Iran's air defense, General Farzad Esmaili said that protecting the nuclear facility is paramount "in all circumstances."The General added that:"Today, Iran's sky is one of the most secure in the region."US-Iranian tensions high in the Persian GulfImages and a video showed an S-300 carrier in Fordo, the missiles raised toward the sky, seen next to other counter-attack weaponry.The images were seen only hours after the Islamic Republic's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke to air-force commanders, including Esmaili, where he stressed that the Iranian military was for defense only."Continued opposition and hype on the S-300 or the Fordo site are examples of the viciousness of the enemy," Khamenei said.The religious leader of Iran further added that: "The S-300 system is a defense system not an assault one, but the Americans did their best for Iran not to get hold of it."The Fordo nuclear site, near the city of Qom, has ceased the enrichment of uranium since the nuclear deal was implemented in January.The accord has seen Iran dismantle most of the 19,000 centrifuges that enrich uranium, leaving 5,000 for the purpose of research.Negotiations for the agreement lasted over two years between Iran, Britain, the US, France, China, Germany and Russia. The agreement reduced the sanctions on Iran in return for Iran to restrain its controversial nuclear programme.
Last Tuesday, four Iranian military vessels intercepted a US warship and were accused of harassing the warship.Iranian Defence Minister said Thursday "If an American ship enters Iran's maritime region, it will definitely get a warning. We will monitor them and, if they violate our waters, we will confront them," reported by the Iranian Students' News Agency.Reuters contributed to this report.
