Friday, July 21, 2006

Iran Seeking Stealth ICBM?

US says Iranians witnessed N.Korea missile test
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(Reuters) - One or more Iranians witnessed North Korea's recent missile tests,
deepening U.S. concerns about growing ties between two countries with
troubling nuclearcapabilities, a top U.S. official said on Thursday.

Asked at a U.S. Senate hearing about reports that Iranians witnessed the July 4 tests, Assistant Secretary of State Chris Hill, the chief U.S. negotiator with Pyongyang, replied: "Yes, that is my understanding" and it is "absolutely correct" that the relationship is worrisome. More

It would only be worrisome if you had forgotten this:

Iran Test-Fires Missile Able to Duck Radar
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Iran Says It Has Successfully Test-Fired a Missile Able to Avoid Radar and Hit Several Targets
TEHRAN, Iran Mar 31, 2006 (AP)—Iran's military said Friday it successfully test-fired a missile not detectable by radar that can use multiple warheads to hit several targets simultaneously, a development that raised concerns in the United States and Israel.
The Fajr-3, which means "victory" in Farsi, can reach Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East, Iranian state media indicated. The announcement of the test-firing is likely to stoke regional tensions and feed suspicion about Tehran's military intentions and nuclear ambitions. More

I have no doubt that North Korea would sell Taepodong 2 missiles or their designs to Iran. The question is how long would it take Iran to apply existing technology to their new toy?

The answer?

Probably in less time than it would take them to perfect a nuclear warhead.

Update:
At least three different sources suggest that Iran financed the Taepodong 2 missile.
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