Iran stages military exercises near Iraqi border

NICOSIA — Iran has launched fresh military exercises meant to demonstrate its strength toward neighboring Iraq and to respond to the current regional tensions.

Officials said Iran is staging several maneuvers to mark the 20th anniversary of the war with Iraq. This includes a month-long exercise by the Basij militia and five days of naval exercises in the Gulf.

The Basij exercise take place near the Iraqi border. The anniversary is scheduled for Friday.

The Zolfaqar exercise will last three days and comprise of three stages. This will include army, tanks, artillery and paratroopers. Officials said air force jet fighters and helicopters will also participate.

The exercises were launched as tension is reported to have increased between Iran and Iraq. Each has accused the other of staging attacks in their capitals.

Iranian officials said Teheran's current military buildup is meant against Iraq. "Achievements in the Islamic republic's defence industry are the results of its war time experience," the ministry said in a statement. "The bitter eight-year war with Iraq made Iran decide to implement a drive for self-sufficiency in weapons manufacture."

Earlier this week, officials said Iran plans to launch its first indigenous missile-equipped destroyer. Last month, Iran unveiled the Al-Sabehat 15 submarine in the Gulf. The vessel was the first indigenous submarine of Iran.

On Thursday, the White House announced that Moscow had agreed to suspend a contract to sell Iran laser technology that Washington said is used to make fuel for nuclear weapons. U.S. President Bill Clinton had raised the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin in two meetings this summer.

In another development, an Iranian court shortened the sentences of the 10 Jews convicted of spying for Israel. All 10 Jews were handed down shorter prison terms, a Shiraz court official said.

One defendant previously sentenced to 13 years had his sentence shortened to nine years while a second defendant also sentenced to 13 years had his term cut to seven years, Israel Radio said. The report also said that a defendant sentenced to 11 years had his term cut to seven and another defendant sentenced to 10 years in jail will serve eight years. No further details were available.

The verdict had been delayed several times because of disagreements by the three-judge panel over whether the sentences should be served consecutively or concurrently.