Russian official: Iran capable of repelling possible U.S. air strike

to destroy Iran's nuclear capability and have the guts to assume the consequences of an Iranian pandemonium of terrorism, closure of the Hormuz strait, missiles over Israel, just like Saddam did in 1991, etc. Not the US, not Europe, not the UK and not even Israel. Nobody dares. It just won't happen, and Iran is going to be nucelar armed, unless their regime falls, which is very, very unlikely.

It's good to imagine that all the Russian weapons are "junk" but reality is much different. The latest Russian S-300 SAM system is hands down, superior to the latest Patriot SAM system. This is not my personal opinion. It is common knowledge in the worldwide defense community.

I like the idea that the world isn't run by Israel and the US, but russians are simply there for the gains (selling military and other equipment). PS. I believe the holocaust did happen but to a much lesser extent, the current number of 6 million if simply absurd.

it it of great dimay to haer rusia sounding so irogant in isuse relating to US and Iran,and rusia sould not beheave like voluter in the on going cold war btn US,IRAN infact saddam was decieved by the same rusia and what happened latter.this still let other nations like .north korea ,chaina who is now noterious learn

Although USA does much evil globally, they also do much good. Although Micheal Moores documentaries offer convincing prrof of Americas' corruption, USA still offers the best hope for humanity. They are ultra greedy and thier own medical systems and educational sytems are in a shambles. They don't typically spend money "liberating" weaker nations unless there is a financial benefit to them. Remember Rwanda? Despite this, they offer hope to this planet because there is a potential for USA to be reformed. The constitution is that hope. Reform is the answer. Try reforming the Koran. Opressing the planet with Jihad is the hidden agenda of every Muslim state. Civil rights aren't even in the Muslim vocabulary. Polygamy and violence are entrenched in Islam. See www.faithfreedom.org .

Sure American forces can wreak all kinds of havoc upon the Iranian infrastructure in a very short order, using stealth bombers and cruise missiles to destroy Iranian command centers, etc. We are very good at doing that! But what Bush & Co seem ignorant of are long term consequences. Iran would respond, has a variety of choices, and would deal a mortal blow to us economically via our oil supply; they would find a way to shut down the Gulf transportation network after sinking some tankers. The early parts of a conflict are predictable as we attempt to destroy Iran, but the world would rise up against America and events would most certainly slip from our control (as someone else here has already said.) Saudia Arabia and others could no longer be counted on as allies. The effect on global economies, the sinking of the American dollar, etc, would certainly be catastrophic! We cannot afford a war like this ever again. Political solutions must be found or we are doomed!

When money speak politics is always set aside.The rusians has $ 800 billion deal with Iran to accomplish the nuclear plant.I dont think they are stupid to ignore such a deal just because of political reason.Of course they need that money to improve their economy.That is why they equip Iran with the best counter US missiles to safeguard their deal.Wake Up US ,wake up Israel.

The Scriptures have prophecied the alignment of Russia, Spain, Germany, and other Arab nations with Iran and an invasion into Israel. Israel will win that battle and these nations will be devastated on the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel 38, 39

...visite this site www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

I guess our friend Jon Feigenbaum never heard of the 1973 war, where so-called russian junk wiped so many any israeli f-4 phantoms that it paralyzed their air force? The point is not the inferirioty or superiority of russian versus american weapons - I think we can all agree that as a rule us weapons are superior. Rather, the point is that there are exceptions to every rule and such surprises are nasty. We can be sure that an attack on Iran would reveal one or more nasty suprises. But the bigger question is, what would the final result be politically in the region? I say it would be: iranina moderates becoming radical, and friendly arab regimes overthrown & replaced by radicals. In other words a disaster.

We didn't have a chance against NATO in 1999, yet we did shot down airplanes,helicopters with SAM AA systems.We are even first country who shot down F-117 Nighthawk "stealth" bomber with SAM system from 70s.Iran have new adcanced AA systems sow it won't be playground for American pilots like it was in my Serbia.Don't take me wrong i'm against Ahmadinejad and his speachies against Israel(and nuclear program) ,but don't forget there are people in Iran who don't like him.I didn't liked Milosevic and i sufford because of him.

Scores of talkbacks are sent by people that are convinced that there would be a military solution and that the US would be able to strike, neutralize and destroy all Iranian facilities within a couple of hours. If it were the case, be sure that the Iranian issue would have been resolved since long! Why do war-mongers are always intellectually limited?

I might be mentally retarded by your amazing standards, BUT I would never ask for any nation to be wiped off the earth as you wish for the Jews. You're a real sicko like indrajaya. I really wonder what kind of a belgian you are

"Not a particularly difficult or complex operation." I agree, Richard. But what then? How will the Iranians respond? There is a very long Iranian coastline that covers the whole of the Gulf oil route. The Iranians have TOLD us they will go for our oil jugular. Imagine a scenario where the Iranian president sinks a couple of Western oil tankers, by artillery, fast patrol boat (of the sort that captured the British sailors) or cruise missile (of which they have plenty), and then declares the Gulf a closed war zone. What then for the West? How do you imagine events might then unfold?

WOW! YOU SHOW THE TIPICAL BIASED, ILL-INFORMED & EVIL INTENT OF ALL MUSLIMS WHEN YOU STATE - "The situation is serious and as someone here said:let`s stick to kidnappings and the like.Anything else will be a disaster for the region and the countries adjacent". Dont you have the ability to think and reason for yourself without the indoctrination of your "religious?" upbringing that is centered on taking life or releasing blood from others? (That includes of your own people/family/kin and anyone oppossed to "YOUR FALSE IDEALS!") The attitudes that you display here are, like most Islamic's, the very nature of satan!! WAKE UP TWIT! - GET A LIFE & FACE UP TO THE REALITY OF WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN AND THE WAY YOU ACT!!

Actually you like any other zionist living in a state of fear and only death can give you some comfort (although temporarily). Beware that Iran never attacked any country since the revolution and will not be attacking the zionist regime unless the US or Israel attack Iran...and one more thing: Never mess with shia muslims or you will be defeated and humiliated just like in 2006 war.

One should not 'open their mouth' concerning a subject when they do not comprehend the religious background involved. The whole Middle East problem is basicaly a religious one (God against satan and good against evil). We have here a host of individual countries, who can be proved to worship satan, that want to erradicate the people of God. Some of the brother tribes of Israel are against their brother whilst some help him. Those that support the enemies of God against His people (including those stupid enough to praise them) will suffer dearly in the very near future. The US does not have the capacity to start a new war with Iran, but if they lob a few missiles into them - I WILL CHEER THEM ON!!!!

Re: #116 The country that attacks Iran's oil fields wont merely piss off the "energy marlets", it will be comitting financial suicide - Americans will end u paying between $5-$10 per gallon of gas and it will wreck our economy. Re: #122 US carriers hundreds of miles away from the Iranian coast?? check your geography... they are in the freakng gulf, which is not hundreds of miles wide by any means.

While Britain was engaged in "hard-nosed diplomacy", Iran continued to further development on underground enrichment at Nataz. Even those ill educated in international relations can see that this unprovoked action is but diversion from UNSC and IAEA pressure. If I'm not mistaken, haven't the US, EU, Russia, and China been employing "hard-nosed diplomacy" since 2001 when MEK disclosed info on Nataz and Arak? It's worked wonders, huh? Another 2 or 3 years of "hard-nosed diplomacy" and we might as well give them a bomb. Your response is EXACTLY what the Iranians were hoping to elicit from the captive situation.

The most advanced anti-missile system on earth is the American funded, Israeli designed Arrow, followed by the US Patriot-3. These systems are designed to stop BALLISTIC missiles, not CRUISE missiles. The Russians have no anti-missile comparable to Arrow and PAC-3 to shoot down US cruise missiles, so therefore neither does Iran. Also, the carriers will be hundreds of miles away from the Iranian coast, the air will be full of US planes, and a cruiser-destroyer-frigate-sub ring will protect the carriers. Sure, America might lose one or two smaller capital ships and some planes, but that'll be about it.

Remember TR's advice to speak softly and carry a large stick. Russia is a superpower wanna be and is so insecure as to assasinate desenters. They have no moral authority since the end of the cold war and are left with making pathetic comments which are blowing into the wind. Remember what happened to their "state of the art" nuclear power plant and most recently their nuclear-powered submarine Kirsk. Give me a break!

First, YES I know the "Airbus" is a EU project , with the French as the "lead player". I do NOT advocate bombing Iran, unless they force war upon us. As far as French weapons? Sorry, not rated as the "best" weapons by Janes or anyone else. Yes, france is in the EU, but is a "friend" only to FRANCE. I do NOT think France is a friend to the UK. Think what you will of our country, but you cannot argue that when the "chips are down" the UK CAN count on the U.S. . Do I agree with the conduct of the war in iraq? NO.We are THERE however, and since we are, we need to settle the country as best we can, and THEN leave-not until then.The French are afraid of their own muslim population of over 6 million, and the percentage of Communists, socialists, ect. , speaks for itself. The west is the UK, U.S. canada, -the majority of the European countries , as well as Australia and the other Commonwealth countries. I think Islmofacism is a threat that must be faced- you CANNOT 'run away" from the problem.

The last war with Hizbullah showed that Iran transferred their most advanced weapons to Hizbullah. It is clear that Israel has to be prepared for similar weapons in Lebanon if there is another war with HIzbullah, as with SAMs Israel should not take air supremacy for granted, learn now how to overcome now before it is too late..

Can Iran repel a U.S. air strike? I hope so!!

Your posting no 47 is so racist that is a shame for all the Jewish and Israelis. So no comment there. As for posting no. 62 I hope the :) means that is is April fools day joke. What in the world was Jewish in classic Greece and Rome? And ancient Egypt? Nothing. I am not a fan of the West ... which in fact is an invented category... This is why your misguided pride is pathetic. Do you really think that Jewish are superior to anyone? You are completely wrong. Your culture is not superior nor inferior to any other . Just different.

If you want to stop Iran dead in its tracks and have a long-term effect, trying to bomb nuclear plants alone will not work. Iran's real basis of power is its oil industry. Without oil to sell on the market, Iran has no money, no negotiating power of any sort and plenty to keep it busy. The country that destroys Iran's oil industry will probably not be popular on the world's energy markets, but then, wars are not always popularity contests (as the Europeans and the UN seem to think.)

Simply targeting Iran's nuclear facilities on the ground is not enough. A full scale ground offensive will be necessary in order to take out the ones deep underground. Like Mark Lincoln said, the technology is not there yet. Also, to use a nuke bunker buster to destroy nukes opens up a whole can of worms. Will America go it alone? with Israel? with a Coalition of the willing? So many questions, and such high stakes. Bush would have everyone howling again. I do not see it. The US can posture, but in reality, no action will be taken. Our plate is full. The economy is still in decent shape. No one wants to pull that trigger now. The Iranians have calculated well. May G-d save us all.

In my post with the subject No. 20, I meant no. 26. So sorry, Haaretz-san.

You seem to have a lot to say for yourself. Unfortunately most of it is utter rubbish. I would much rather have Jacques from France (did you know that France is part of the EU?) as a friend of mine than the warmongers like you from the US anyday. Anyway, what do you actually know about French weaponry? Very little I suspect, otherwise you would be more careful in what you post. Airbus - for the record, is a EUROPEAN company, not French. And although it is faring badly against Boeing this year so far (mostly through it's own doing) it has not lost "all its contracts". Just for the record I think that bombing Iran would be a Very Bad Idea. Whether or not Iran could successfully repel an attack is one thing, but it could subsequently cause an almost complete collapse of the oil market with very little action. As the recent release of UK soldiers shows, the only way to deal with Iran is hard-nosed diplomacy.

resp #4. Last i read, they do actually have missles that are capable of taking out missles that were supplied by Russia. I believe it's the Tor M1 missle system.

The war between Iran and Iraq told iranians to build every military establishment underground (%80 lies in Zirzamin). If USA or Israel attack Iran, they should expect huge retaliation from Iran after start of bombing. You west taught us how to fight when Saddam was killing us with chemical arsenals.

In your reply to a Parisian you refer to "the real West, which you are not part of". Now, I know that "the real West" is restricted to Texas (and perhaps Arizona) in the minds of most Americans, but I perceive you to be a more wordly and knowledgeable American than most. So pray tell, what is "the real West" to you? Could it be the group of countries that we in Canada - presumably not part of the "real West" in your mind - label "the coalition of the idiotic"?

Coming from a country that has not won a conflict in 20 years, many military advisors would ignore this assessment. And do the Russians really think they would share invasion plans with an Iranian ally? Wow, Russia needs to keep hiking that Vodka price to ween people off it!

If your scenario takes place, do you really think that any deal that you are urging Israel to make now will make one iota of difference?

Stalin fyi, was no better then Hitler. If Stalin did not recieve MASSIVE aid from the U.S.: weapons thousands of vehicles of all kinds, food, construction equiptment and materials ect.ect.- tiny Germany (compared to Russia) may indeed have defeated Russia. Hitler "changed plans" in the middle of the war- and ordered the "extermination of white Russia", before finishing the drive to Moscow. If the germans had taken Moscow, it would have been the end of Stalin I believe.look it up.

Time after time the Russians have boasted about a new superior weapon system they developed. When put into use time after time after time U.s. weapons have proved far superior.

firstly, as any american will tell you, our nation will not be tilting the old lance towards any windmills anytime soon (witness the 30% approval for the Iraqi cakewalk). secondly, jorge bush is just smart enough to know the constitutional crisis that would befall the nation if he were to completely disregard Art. 1 of the constitution and commit an act of war without congressional authoriztion. thidly, he won't seek the authorization because there is simply not enough support. forthly, qui bono. fifthly, why am i numbering my points. it goes without saying that the Russian is full of bluster. u.s. airpower is unstoppable but airpower is not sufficient to cause "regime change." it is sufficient, however, to make the reformist minded iranians vengeful nationalists. no, it is neither moral nor wise to strike iran militarily. i do not fear iran (or the terrrrists) as much as i fear the breathtaking expansion of executive power under mr. bush. happy easter and passover

Today Good Friday commemorating the crusifiction of Jesus Christ, the biggest comemoration for us Christians. Can warmangers talk about solving problems by lenghty negotiations intead by inflicting more human misery. As Jesus has wisely said, he who has no guilt should throw the first stone.

The situation is serious and as someone here said:let's stick to kidnappings and the like.Anything else will be a disaster for the region and the countries adjacent.There has been a balanced appreciation of military strength on both sides. The Spanish Judge who prosecuted Pinochet has called for bringing Bush-Blair to trial for war crimes against the Iraqi people.Let us hope that the U.S.Congress (with a Democratic majority) and the Senate will rein in that devilish character(Bush) before he takes us all down with him.

but it didn't work.Remember all those battles,Leningrad etc.The Germans never made it to Mother Russia,nor did Napoleon. The allies were dreaming.

in #16 " One of our vaunted "Stealth Fighters" was brought down by Serbia by an obsolete SA-3 a decade ago." Not quite true. First of, the F117 is nearly 30 yrs old, second, the only reason even one got knocked down is the missles were on a 'timed' detonate, not active seeking... The missle never 'saw' the aircraft, it just got lucky. Not surprising, when yuo consider the thousands of sortes undertaken, with the loss of a single aircraft. Not, it was a glancing blow, and the pilot was retieved. :)

Boast too much, I've got the impression that Russia can do the same if provoked? You are talking about World war 3 and the END of the WORLD? BY THE WAY China/ N.Korea agree with you, and urging both countries to demonstrate which can destroy the other ONE, quicker.

Indeed, when you see the US Aircraft Carriers leave the boxed in area they're in at the moment - get into position from a distance - worry like Hell! Second, to all idiots who are still hooked on the technology of radar to see and guide munitions - with the Iranian, Russian, and French technology that has been supplied, YOU WILL never see what's comming! The technology of radar Jamming and radar evasion by Stealth is beyond your comprehension poor idiots!!! It's the difference between cavemen and modern man. You won't have the time to find a hole and crawl into it!!!

Even if we accept the American side of the story, the weapon of choice to defeat the Americans was a ........box cutter! What has the 'high tech' weaponry anything to do if someone is so determined? btw, the American 'laser guided' precision missiles have a bad record of missing the target.

If Iran even DREAMED their JUNK could take Isreal out-the missles would be flying NOW. THE SECOND Isreal sees even ONE missle headed for Isreal from Iran, there will be NO MORE IRAN. In spite of your anti Semetic dreams, Isreal can and WILL destroy Iran if attacked. If Iran did not KNOW this as well= they'd "make good" on the threat to "wipe the Zionist entity off the map".

The opinion of France has very little meaning to the west any longer(the REAL west-of which you are not part of). France arms the enemies of the west(if willing to PAY). The joke is most of your weaponry is INFERIOR, (look up, last time FRANCE won a war). Even yor Airbus lst almost all of their contracts to Boeing. France is not a friend to anyone but FRANCE, and has shown this over time. By the way who RUNS France these days? thw Socialists, the Communists, ot the Muslims? Hard to tell based on the way you behave.

LETS SEE... U.S., Japanese, Isreali, British,German science vs. Russian, and Chinese science. And people are betting on RUSSIAN SCIENCE lol!! Oh yes- forgot the French ubermenchen who can't get the Airbus off the assembly line, and lost most of their contracts.

Well done Hizbullah by proving that even a Russian made missile could destroy an Israeli symbol of pride. It all depends on who use the weapon and against who? Israel will be destroyed by Russian missiles if used by Iran. Fact.

-don't know if this post will make it, as it's not anti U.S./anti Isreal. Mark, you and I both know, that the U.s. is about a "generation" ahead in this type of weaponry. Your anti U.S. , Isreal posts have puzzled me lately. You have always seemed like a reasonable person....

why is it my posts don't appear, but ANYONE bashing Isreal, the U.S. the west- gets their posts on AS MANY AS THEY WOULD LIKE a.s.a.p. Makes you wonder about YOUR agenda.

Nuclear Weapon. US/Russia (Thousands).Britain/France/China/Israel.(Hundreds),and India/Pakistan/N.Korea( Dozens). and IRAN may?? develop one in 5/10 years, so why go to war with a country that haven't got any NW now, EVEN if they DO have one in the near future so WHAT? Is IRAN'S future BOMB will be a S U P E R bomb that can obliterate the whole of what other countries can put together.???? WHAT is the B I G Fright and the URGENCY of starting a new WAR .!! What will the US achieves with another MISCALCULATION, as in the case of invading IRAQ. Is the world better off with the departure of Saddam ???, just think of the no of death during Saddam 's time and N O W ??, and still mounting....+ + + + + + +

GOSH SPYGUY-YOU ARE SOOO SMART! You had better move to a place like Iran, Russia, China, one of "the powers on the rise". We wouldn't want a PATRIOT like yourself put a risk in any way. We have "had it" so you'd better get, while you can!

Within the 1st hour of any attack on Iranian interests, Israel will be showered with Iranian made Shahab missiles that will send Israel back to 1948....and this time the Palestinians will use this opportunity to finish the job once and for all. Give it a try USA...only if you hate Israel!

For the arrogance of the crimanal bush regime and the israeli lobby. All of these people are multi-millionaire or billionaires. If the price of oil soars to $200/bll. it wont matter to them. All US politicains are in the pockets of the israel lobby and will just sit on their asses instead of ridding the US of these jokers. Israel will be attacked back by Iran and then all you warmongers on here wont be so obnoxius. When 1000 of israelis are killed then will want to talk...Wait and see.

...will destroy any incoming US missile. In return Iran will send a barrage of anti ship missiles that it is producing enmass towards the US fleets and will sink all the aircraft carriers. Americans should be ready to play the RIP tune.................

MIKAHAIL NO 15. AND THE BIGGEST LAUGH IS IRAN IS BEHIND IN ITS PAYMENTS, FOR ARMS.

There is no such thing as a perfect Air Defense System. The only question is how porous is the system. However such an attack would be stupid. It would be like poking a stick at an ant hill, and we would be looking at terrorist" attacks around the world. Clickfool has gone into some of the effects around the Gulf, but Israelis better head for the shelters, because you will be facing conventionally armed missiles heading your way. I would think these missiles have been dispesed and are difficult to hit. The "Global Economy" would come apart, because there is no "dispersion" to individual states with healthy economies. Everybody would take a hit. The principal of dispersion if not exclusively a military concept and has economic applications too.

your posts here are just meant to bash every single invidividual against your opinion. Is it because you are mentally attarted, or maybe you have difficulties seeing the light out of the situation you poor zionists are in, or is it just a matter of your own despair? I feel sorry for you

The CURE is to clean the earth of all jews. Yankees, PLEEEEAAASE give it a try an approach Iran, the world will be so thankful. But then, run and run fast.

Payback is a bitch, eh Vladimir.

"I don`t know what Iran is using for air defense, but whenever Sadaam`s anti-aircraft batteries . . . " - Tom Saddam had old SA-2 and SA-3 systems from the 1950s and 60s. He had nothing that we didn't have all the answers for. Iran has plenty of stuff that we have NEVER flown against. Iran is even developing it's own system, SAM-250, a long range system. Surprise is a word that one does not like to feel in the world of EW.

The American government is too egotistical and too lacking in sophistication to read and understand Sun Tzu's the Art of War, but maybe Israelis are capable. The most important lesson is ... DO NOT under-estimate your enemies nor over-estimate your own strengths. Right now both the US and Israel THINK they can defeat any and all their enemies militarily, but this is no longer true. It is long past time for both countries to make MAJOR changes in their domestic and foreign policies to reflect the new reality, like the fact Iran will get nukes, attacking Iran will lead to the attacker's destruction and the Palestinians eve3ntually getting strong enough weapons and support to defeat Israel. For those that want to read it, here it is: http://www.sonshi.com/learn.html

debka file warned of this air defense system in december 2006 . I also notified this forum of the warning then . The Russians have long claimed that the system is invulnerable to US air attack .The americans obviously knew about the system have waited for these systems to become operative to prove that they can beat them !! ha !!its all a game about whose got the best toys !!

"It will not be a particularly difficult task for the US attack forces to destroy 90% of Iran`s entire military infrastructure within 12 hours." - Richard from cloud coo coo land. Richard, how many of the around 100 'decapitating' PGM attacks launched as part of the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Mar. 2003 succeeded? Answer: None. Rolling Tom Clancy novels into joints and smoking them does not produce visions of reality. ". . . B2 fighter bombers using bunker busters to take out the remaining, suspected nuclear related sites." - ibid. ee bobbity boo The B-2 is a bomber Dick. not a fighter-bomber. Also we have NO penetrating weapon in stockpile at this time that could take out several of the facilities. The critical ones would require B-61-11 hydrogen bombs. The Massive Ordnance Penetrator which might be able to do the job is only starting tests. It has ONLY been tested placed in tunnels at White Sands. It has NOT been tested for actual penetration, or delivery capabilities.

and Israel are the ones that should be defeated! Russia will not help the US one bit but will work with China and the EU to see the US and Israel are put in their place. The reign of the US is coming to an end and Israel will be the biggest loser. Israel had better make the best deal they can now before the US declines any more.

W will be out of office soon and then we can complain about the next guy!

There is mucho stem cell research being done in the USA right now, always has been. There is no government funding for this research - some people (flat earth society) object to their tax dollars being used for this purpose. This will change under the next administration. Joke for you - Sign outside whitehouse - "Won't somebody please just give him a blow job so we can impeach him?"

Come on Guss and George, the US already has U2 spy planes as well as drones buzzing around like a New York traffic jam over Iran. Iran has said this themselves. How can they repel a US air strike if they can't even take our our servalance planes that are up there NOW. P2 Drones fly MUCH higher than any Russian built anti-aircraft batteries. Between them and the subs in the gulf, we dont have to send one US soldier into Iranian territory. Heck, we could launch missles from the damn US. This Russian general has had too much Vodka.

the people who CREATED western civilization. :)

Where does Yury get his information? from a blog? Well did we attack Iran this morning? Looks to me as if Yuri is a salesman for the Russian armaments industry. When Bush heard this he said "bring it on!" Shudder.

It is almost irrelevant what weapons the US has because it refuses to use them when needed. Look at Iraq and you would think that with their military eroded and falling apart when the US invaded they would have been demolished but a combination of Iraqi smarts and the US's choice not to use the full weaponry at its disposal have handed us a huge loss. These days anyone with a gun or even an exacto knife can kick the US's ass in a fight. It's not about weapons but about the will to fight and win.

Myth: Russian equipment is bunk. I recall IDF tanks smoldering in the Becca valley last summer. The Russian Anti-tank weaponry did a superb job of thwarting Israeli attacks.

I'd like to thank Vladmir Putin, Sergei Ivanov and the Russian people for helping to create a multi-polar world. Bush and Blair need to realize that their power is declining and new powers are rising--namely Russia, China, India and Brazil. Thanks again, Russia, for preserving the sovereignty of the Persian nation, whose treasures and history would be sorely missed if it weren't for your generous arms offer and support.

I'M SURE YOUR MOTHER IS PROUD If you ARE really a Brit, and not an Islmofacist. You are "happy" that maybe an enemy of your own country might be able to shoot your planes out of the sky-nice. Sorry, the scumbbags cannot- the stuff is JUNK you do know what a scumbag is-just get a mirror, you'll see one.

The russian bear is back to its old tricks...From stalin to putin,the only thing that changed was the color of the flag,and the taste for money...and for money,the russian bear and the french harlot,can sell their own mother to the devil...

The Russian weapons are JUNK compared to what the U.S. and our REAL friends have in our arsenals. One of the reasons the U.S.S.R. no longer exists, IS that fact.No matter what they spent, the U.S. came out with a SUPERIOR weapon of the same type. Cruise missles would take out Iranian command and control BEFORE a single aircraft went into Iranian airspace. THEN "stealth. THEN everything taken apart at will. Of course the Russians are saying this. They want to "protect" their investment (Iran owes them plenty), and make their weapons "look good". oVER TIME ON A CONSISTANT BASIS, U.S. weapons have proven FAR SUPERIOR TO SAY OTHERWISE IS "WISHFUL THINKING" Anyone feeling "strong" should give it a go, and fing out for themselves.

The Shihab missiles are not intercontinental. They come in medium and intermediate-range variants. Iran could hit Tel Aviv with fewer than two dozen missiles armed with conventional warheads (chemical and biological attacks are generally ineffective at long range; the former are battlefield weapons, while the latter are "best" used in the hands of terrorists to poison a ventilation system or something similar) that, while causing dozens, perhaps hundreds, of casualties and property damage, would not pose an existential threat to Israel. However, the Israeli retaliatory strike on Iran would be exponentially stronger. As for Downing Street, sure, a few Shihab's could make it, but then Iran would have to face-down NATO. Good move. FYI, a Trident in an SLBM (Sea-Launched Ballistic Missile) currently configured for multiple nuclear warheads. While far more accurate than any Soviet nuclear-carrying missiles, accuracy is not THE key here, what with half-megaton nuclear airbursts.

indrajaya, you're a blood thirsty individual, but I cannot blame you fully, when I see what happens in your country and all its natural devastations. The Iranians have nothing to prove as they'll be destroyed in a blink of the eye. You pretend to be an intelectual, please read message #3.

RUSSIA would have a hard time repelling a US air attack as their air defense net has been in a state of steady and severe decay since the end of the Cold War. What do you expect them to say about Iran, as most of its air defense net is of Russian origin? I'm sure they said the same thing about the Soviet-supplied Syrian air force before the IAF shot down 72 MiGs over the Bekaa Valley in a single afternoon in 1982. Or the vaunted Iraqi and Serbian air defense nets in 1991 and 1999, respectively. Yeah, the US got mauled real bad then, too.

Wow, you take civility and humanity to a whole different level. Thanks for your kind words.

it's kinda hard to understand what the US' latest advancements are when they object to Stem Cell Research

I'm not sure about the Glory part though, but there will be lots of blaze. Can somebody please IMPEACH! PLEASE!

I don't know what Iran is using for air defense, but whenever Sadaam's anti-aircraft batteries targeted American planes in the 1990's, there was nothing left but a smoking hole. Occasionally they would get lucky and hit an American plane, but not very often. I think the Russian statement might be wishful thinking. On the other hand I doubt that there will be an air strike. I think Iran will become sane and stand down their nuclear development. The Mahdi hasn't arrived as prophesied.

kill all of the arabs leave the jews alone - you would have peace, technology, and wealth - the arab people are behind intellectually and morally, extermination of islam will cure our ailing planet

Yes, you are right, it is Ezekiel 38 coming true. They will also come on many horses, brandishing swords, and with many types of shields. I'm dead serious, I take the Lord's word literally and these are the conclusions I reach. So there is no need to worry about Russia selling Iran modern military hardware, because for the sake of prophecy they will use swords and shields and ride horseback.

CRUSHED the jewish population in the east, especially Russia, which was Communist at the time, a jewish idea, according to the Fuhrer. Although you make a great point. The Amercans never went to war in WW2 to protect the jews and the international bankers, we went because of our own national interest, with not seeing the UK fall and the Japan issue. The jewish problem in Europe was seen as a problem within the US as well, there was not difference in anti-semitism, no jews were allowed in Harvard at the time, and jews were forced to reduce their 3 Christian children a year normal food ration to just one. So sad.

well now... here is a NEVER AGAIN OPPORTUNITY for the west (US) to PUT UP, OR SHOT UP!!! in one stone (or strike) the us can prove if it has the "supriority" over iran, russia, france and others who sold their souls to the devil FOR MONEY. i am convinced the price of it would worth the benefit of a "peacefull" 21st century, or our children be living under sharia law. G-D FORBID. we have all seen the "heroizm of france, england", the world depends on you: GOOD OLD US of A

You just dare to attack Iran.............

You just dare to attack Iran.............

Besides missiles do anybody how much it costs to have a blowjob from a russian private....lol

4:00am April 6th has come and gone. I can't believe how many news sources reported this fantasy about a planned U.S. Strike today. Are the "Russian air defenses" that the U.S. is supposed to be scared of better than the Russian intellegence that predicted this non-event? The U.S. biggest enemy is not Russian hardware. The U.S. biggest enemy is its own stupidity. I'm no fan of the idea of attacking Iran. However, If the U.S. chooses to bomb them for 12 hours, it will do so unhindered and with extreme prejudice. No Russian designed, Iranian run, system is going to stop them.

If the Russian is correct, then Russia's duty is to assist the US in circumventing and destroying these air defenses. Period. Russia's duty, like every other nation's duty, is to assist in the complete disarming of the theocratic regime that still stones women to death for 'fornication' and 'adultery' in Iran.

We do live under a Caliphate. It's just not Islamic, but judeo-christian. The Sanhedrin (AIPAC and the rest of the Israel Lobby) gives orders, and the US obeys. Look at what we have: (1) No one can criticize Israel. (2) Muslims are demonized. (3) Israel sells our most secret military technology to China with impunity. (4) Israel attacks US forces and kills US servicemen with impunity. (5) Israel spies on the US, steals our most important nuclear war plans, sells them to the Evil Empire, all with impunity. (6) The US shoots itself in the foot in foreign policy for the benefit of Israel. (7) The US bares invites terror attacks on itself so Israel can benefit. (8) Treason against the US is justified if it benefits Israel. Yes, the Caliphate/Sanhedrin really is alive and well. You just got your religions mixed up.

Every time an article about Iran is posted, people say that Iran has junk weapons compared to the US & Israel. It is time for those idiots to face the truth ... Due to globalization and the Internet, other countries have caught up with and in many case are ahead of the US and Israel in technology. Iran makes many of its own high quality weapons. Due to very inexpensive CPUs and open source software their computers are comparable to any the US/Israel has. For those that are still playing dumb, remember the AK47 is a far better weapon than anything the rest of the world has produced. It continues to work long after the US weapons fail. The bottom line is as has been noted by a famous book, the world is now technologically FLAT and the US and Israel are no longer able to have a weapons edge. Be real careful starting wars that you will probably lose!

Boycott France,Russia, nuke Iran (do not risk brave people for these spineless cowards) The bottom line is we should get the Iranian problem fixed A.S.A.P and Syria, then concentrate on China and Russia. McArthur was right.

Just for that reason the US should blast Iran's nuclear facilities, and they will. That is, to test the russian and the french defense systems. It's a challenge the US can not resist and should take on.

The article quotes the Russian general as saying that Iran can defend itself against air strikes. But the article also says the Bushies are planning missile strikes. Since no one has developed a real missile defense system, Iran could not stop a US missile attack. Unless Bush would not attack with missiles unless he could also attack with air strikes, Iran is still open to US attack. I hope Ha'aretz can clear up this dichotomy.

No precursor to what US capabilies are. Reagan Plan originally designed for Soviets, and obviously not needed, if unleashed, would give Iran very little to cheer about!

Folks, 4/6 0400 local time has come and gone! It's reassuring that the Russians continue to miscalculate the capabilities of the US military machine. There is NO defense against the US cruise missle for starters. ECCM radar jamming is a concept that will render all radar guided missle SAM systems in Iran useless. AWACs control station aircraft will completely run the fighter jets should they be launched from the aircraft carriers. B-2 Stealth bombers taking off from bases in the US can refuel over the Atlantic ocean and blow away what's left. The one thing the Iranians do have that the US doesn't have a defense for is the new missle that hits the water like a torpedo and is subsonic. These have already been located and will be first to be destroyed with the cruise missle strike if it ever does happen!!!

Has much as I hate Hitler...the allies should have let the germans fight the russians. No shipments of tanks,planes,trucks,fuel. France probably left NATO just so it could sell weapons to anybody. Bande de cretins.

It will not be a particularly difficult task for the US attack forces to destroy 90% of Iran's entire military infrastructure within 12 hours. A lot of the initial strike activity will be accomplished by cruise missiles attacking major radar, command & control, airfield targets, and above ground nuclear installations. The 2nd wave attacks military aircraft, on the ground or airbourne, naval installations including the famed Iranian speedboats, oil storage facilities, and the primary oil refinery near the capital - all accomplished by stealth fighters and bombers. The final mop up phase will consist of F15, F16, F18, and B2 fighter bombers using bunker busters to take out the remaining, suspected nuclear related sites. Not a particularly difficult or complex operation.

threatening the banker with bankrupcy if he calls the loan.

bs"d the USA is that our German scientists ARE better than theirs. It's a Fact.

The difference is that they give to dictators that WE don' like, but to say that they are bad because they give to despotic dictators is rediculous, America has a long history of that, Sadam Hussein, Jordan, Egypt, various African, South American and Asian dictators....

Let us look at what life will be like living under the new Caliphite, as envisioned by its two proponets, Iran and Saudia Arabia. While one is Shia and the other Sunni, they do agree on 1. women must wear veils, 2. women are not allowed to be out in public without escort, 3. no music, theatre, art, news, movies, ballet, unless aproved by mullahs interpretation of Islam, 4. No olympics can be held in a muslim nation practicing Shiria, 5.No other religion can be practicied without supervision of the Mullahs, 6. Shiria law, (if you have to ask, look it up) 7. Fanatically squads enforce dictates like rampaging gangs with no accountability. Thanks to the EU, Russia and China, and the rest of the world we will all take a giant step backwords to the middle ages. Here is to looking backwards.

Iran could hit the green zone in Iraq, the Shiittes can then raid it and kill any collaborators. Americans would make an easy target in the region. They can also close the persian guf. Any plans for Iraq would have been lost for good, it would be all out havok, and Iran would pick up the pieces, America, eventually, will have to leave. The Iranians and Iraqi fighters, like the jews, would just need to survive to claim victory, and they would.

Sure, giving a mad man weapons is a really great deterrent. Brilliant!!

NO DOUBT AMYMORE CONCERNING THE ALLIANCE BETWEEN IRAN AND RUSSIA. THE COLD WAR SYMPTOM IS BACK AND THE US IS NOT PREPARED WITH ITS PROBLEMS IN IRAQ. ISRAEL SHOULD THINK TWICW BEFORE ATTACKING IRAN. NOTHING TO COMPARE WITH THE DESTRUCTION OF THE IRAG NUCLEAR FACILITY.

Not only that, her intercontinental ballistic missiles could reach DOWNING STREET # 10 in less than 2,5 hours and Tel Aviv in less than 30 minutes after US or British strikes. Not as accurate as US Tridents of course. However, just give it a try, please?

both countries are waiting for all out war to start so that they can reap all the benefits after everyone/thing is destroyed - they get all the money from providing energy & rebuilding trust neither country -

This stupid comment by the Russians show they are still in a cold war with the US. If their equipment works as good as it did in the other wars and against Desert Storm. Then the west has nothing to fear. The US Democrats and Liberals should wake up and realize this is war that were fighting not just in the middle east but anywhere Russia has interests. Never should have bailed the Russians out. Nothing but back stabbers

Get real, the Russian equipoment is junk and it is only as good as the individual operating it! It's like giving a gun to a monkey, it could be deadly, but only if the monkey is trained to shoot it at a viable target. LOL

I would like to see Iranian defense systems taking down a B2 stealth bomber or an F22 raptor. Both drop their bombs and the first their air defense systems will know about it is when the neuclear sites are burning and the jets are on their way home.

According to Ezekial 38-39, The Iranians, Russians and the Arab coalition that converges upon Israel will suffer the "worst" defeat in history... Only 15% will survive to "tell the tale" of the Great G-d of the Hebrews! You see the USA won't take out the Nuk facilities in Iran, it will have to be the Israeli's who have to do the dirty work. In the process, Damascus will burn!

Out at the Red Flag exercises we train regularly against the defenses we met in Vietnam and the Gulf War. One of our vaunted "Stealth Fighters" was brought down by Serbia by an obsolete SA-3 a decade ago. The reason was that all our airborne jamming assets were busy protecting the even more vaunted B-2 operating some distance away. Our jamming assets are less today than then. . . It isn't that we could be "repelled" as Gen. Solovyov has stated. But the effort would not be a painless and perfect mission as no doubt the Bushiz have convinced themselves.

One word..F22! Iran better hope the US doesn't attack because here is the fact: America is more than ready to destory any enemy country including Russia.

First of all Bush cannot carry out a lightning war on Iran as Bush NEEDS APPROVAL FROM US CONGRESS. It is unlikely a Democrat majority would approve war against Iran despite Democrats are covered Zionist as well.Attack Will be done by ISRAEL. US preperation is only to prevent Iran's response to Israeli attacks. Israel will hit and US will intervene to block and further threaten Iran to stop sending Missles to Israel and end the war softly. Just consider last war in Lebonan did US intervene? This time will not either. A military expert knows this and obviously Russian author is a CIA&Zionist agent. It means Israel already get all info from Russian staff building facilities!But as a result what you get will be a rain of Missles and a terrible bloody war from all fronts against Israel. I expect Israel will only intercept those missles destined to Tel Aviv and not other places as THEY ARE VERY EXPENSIVE and "JEWS LIVING" ELSEWHERE IS CHEAPER as last war showed!

But allowing a person such as Ahmadinejad, with an end of the world escatology to be in possesion of these weapons is foolish. He believes the world is going to end in a mater of a few years anyways, so he will not hesitate to use them. Being an equal deterent will not prevent him from using these weapons, believing that the Mahdi is bringing justice for the Islamic world will actually cause him to use them.

"Hope the Iranian missile defence system actually works!" Man you are nuts! This system has been installed in order to protect the Nukes that Iran INTENDS to use. To encourage this is to encourage a conflagration.

Derek,the Cold War was only cold in Europe, however in Asia, Africa and Latin America it was real war. American guns versus Soviet Guns, using third parties as proxies and pawns.

Certainly Colonel General Yury Solovyov MUST be correct. After all, look how well the Russian weaponry worked in Kuwait in '91 and Iraq in '03.

and big liers. i spent two years in their army, they are drunk all the time, 24/7/52, it is true. i did work in russian air defence system, all blef, it never worked exept if you put it in fantastic dencity for a great number of planes you can get some.for missils no. and it was not today, when everybopdy not only drunk and cretin but thief and totally corrupt.

Every military expert do know that...that s why the iranian president has a such defiant tone... the french and russian air system defense is enough to protect the Iranian Nuke sites again any attack... ...So what to do??maybe negociate??in any case there is any other solution and its better like that... A better equal force dterrence in the same region is the better warranty for peace..

This calls for a two part solution. 1. Hit Iran with the latest US missiles. 2. Hit Russia and France with total boycotts.

As much as things change they remain the same.The Russians were and are trouble makers....particularly in the ME.They share much of the blame for the start of the Six Days War and now with Iran.Not only do they prostitute themselves for money by selling this rogue nation nuclear technology,they also sell them arms so they can defend against possible attack to know out the nuclear sites.What arrogance.The west should never have bailed them out financially when they were starving after communism collapsed(did it?).They are nothing but trouble.

Getting one out of ten planes I guess is a pretty lofty goal in that neighborhood.That and the prospect of an Iranian soldier operating them should send chills down our cowardly spines.Stick to kidnapping.You wouldn't want to miss your TV time.Don't forget the drones boys i.e. Syria but you already have that handled too I bet.I guess we should all go home now,oh by the way Russia,got that check yet?They screwed you too!From Superpower to instigator.nice

A balance of power in the ME is the best way to prevent war, just like balance of power during cold war actually precluded any violence. Having supreme military power in hands of US/Israel only encourages them to continually try to destabalize the rest of the region, as Iraq war has proven. Hope the Iranian missile defence system actually works!

another i told you so, gees, so far so good, iran and other arab nations are gearing up and buying the best, although russia exports it's items with reduced capabilities, maybe not on defense systems, iran will keep up with the u.s with north korena and chinese missiles. while syria is now getting there, they will be in a more of a defense postion, they will take out any jets or missiles coming out of israel, they owe iran big time, and when push comes to shove, syria will be there to repel any attacks coming from anywhere near it's front and heading in irans way, if this happens, it WILL be another i told you so, you should write it down, so no one can argue.

Like Israel was trashed by Hizbollah, the US will be trashed by Iran. And you shall laugh all the way to the swiss bank. AS Machiavelli said, it is very normal to want to acquire, because "you can only be sure to keep what you have by acquiring more".

of course the Ruskies will say that, after all, they have sold the Iranians all these bunch of junk and most probably have not collected any money until these junk are proven to be working..!! Yo, IDF, when are you guys gonna do another raid, this time on the Iranians to dismantle these ruskie radar just like what you've done to the Egyptians many years ago..?

The Russians are making the whole situation worse for everyone because of the money grabbing greed. Giving weapons to a tyrant and they are called negotiators! Is giving weapons to a hostage taker so he can kill them called being a negotiator!

doesn't mean that it is done from US aircrafts , Iran may have air defense system from Russia and France but how would Iran counter missiles fired not from aircrafts , Does Iran have missiles against missiles destroying Iran nukes ,

How nice of Russians (plus French) to have provided Iran, the Holocaust denier and foremost Middle East troublemaker, with deadly weapons!! I hope it will turn agains them sooner or later.

It's all lining up...anybody awake? Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: (Ezekiel 38: 2 & 3)

We know the American modus operandi. The first wave would consist of stealth bomber and cruise missile attacks to destroy command and control centres. When Iranian air defences had effectively been blinded, further attacks with heavier conventional bombers. There is no doubt that the Americans are able to do terrible damage to Iranian facilities. This has never been questioned. The real question has always been how the Iranians would respond, for respond they would. The first Iranian attacks would be in the Gulf, against the West's oil jugular. I believe their first response would be to sink a couple of oil tankers and then declare the Gulf a closed war zone. The effect on the oil market, world financial markets, the dollar and the real economy would be catastrophic. Events, predictable in the early hours of the war as US bombs are falling, would rapidly slip out of America's control.

A note of thanks to our allies in the EU for supplying weapons to Iran. You will eventually hang yourselves. Russia, thanks for all the info.

Gee what happen, I thought the russians had the best kgb in the world 602pm thailand still not word of the US attack

Usualy we have Iran shouting and and telling the world how they are prepared for any US attack now we have the Russians saying that Iran can defend itself from any US air strikes. If Ahmajinidad has given the British their 15 sailors and marines as a gift then I wonder what they have been giving to Putin as his gift to get him to join the Iranian propoganda machine.