Monday, November 10, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
NICOSIA — Iran has continued its months-long intensive military exercises despite the U.S. presidential election of Barack Obama.
Officials said Iran has sought a significant improvement in combat readiness in 2009 and has maintained its exercise schedule following the election of Obama, who is expected to launch a dialogue with Teheran.
Officials said despite its praise of Obama, Teheran does not expect significant changes under his administration. They pointed to the appointment of pro-Israeli politicians to the administration.
"It appears, however, that Obama is contemplating more peace-like policies," an Iranian Defense Ministry consultant told the semi-official Fars News Agency.
"Contrary to some of the views expressed so far, I believe that with the election of Obama there will not be any major changes as their policies are predetermined," the unidentified Defense Ministry consultant said.
On Nov. 7, Iran reported the conclusion of a major interservice exercise. The exercise was said to have lasted two weeks and focused on maneuvers, testing of weapons, tactics and interoperability.
"The maneuvers of the land forces in the west of the country have ended quite successfully, achieving its predetermined goals," Iranian Army Deputy Chief of Staff Gen. Hussein Baqeri said.
Baqeri, responsible for coordination, said the exercise took place in western Iran in an effort to determine military requirements. The general said the military concluded that the ground forces were sufficiently equipped to counter any land invasion of Iran.
Officials said the exercise, which ended on late Nov. 6, began with air combat and support maneuvers. During the second stage, they said, army units launched a mock counter-attack against an invading force.
"It demonstrated that the army of the Islamic republic is at the highest level of readiness and coordination to discharge its duties," Baqeri said.