Iran Test-Fires Missiles

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has test fired missiles able to sink ships. According to the state broadcaster, a commander said the missiles would be able to sink "big warships" in the Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.

"These missiles, with a maximum range of 350 km (220 miles), can hit different kinds of big warships in all of the Persian Gulf, all of the Sea of Oman and the north of the Indian Ocean," senior Revolutionary Guards naval commander Ali Fadavi said. The missile has been identified as an anti-ship SSN-4. However, television images show the missile as appearing to be different in design to the SSN-4. Although experts agree that Iran would be no match for US millitary power they agree that it could cause havoc in the Gulf and the narrow Strait of Hormuz. This is yet another episode in the tit-for-tat sabre rattling between the US and Iran with the danger being that although both sides are publicly against conflict an accidental escalation could occur.