Iran Preparing for War

Ongoing talks between the EU and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program have failed to produce a satisfactory agreement. Iran maintains that it is not seeking to develop nuclear warheads, yet it continues to beef up its rhetoric against any moves to limit its military capabilities. Also, it keeps moving forward in its military technology development.

On May 31, Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani stated that Iran had successfully tested a new missile motor using solid-fuel technology for its medium-range ballistic missile known as Shahab-3. A solid-fuel (as opposed to liquid-fuel) engine is much easier to move and far quicker to prepare for launch—a quality that increases its ability to be hidden from surveillance, as well as its potential for use in surprise attack.

Using solid fuel instead of liquid also allows the missile to be stored for years, making mass production of the Shahab-3 more practical for Iran. “Using solid fuel would be more durable and increase the range of the missile,” stated Shamkhani (bbc, May 31). Experts state that the solid fuel technology is also necessary for Iran to develop a multi-stage rocket that could fly further than the Shahab-3, which could pave the way toward an Iranian icbm program.

According to Stratfor, the announcement “stunned Israel,” because a solid-fuel engine makes these missiles “slightly more accurate but also more readily deployable.” Being well within range of the Shahab-3, Israel is understandably nervous. “Couple that with a nuclear program, and the potential future security situation becomes much more complex for the United States” (June 1).

Tehran continues to exploit diplomatic talks, using them to buy the time it needs to develop its military and become a nuclear power. The development of the new fuel technology shows Iran gearing up for a future war, while using diplomacy to lull the West into inaction.