Iran Trying To Build A-Bomb
Iran Trying To Build A-Bomb

The Israel Air Force carried out a major exercise earlier this month that American officials say appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, The New York Times reported Friday. The newspaper reported that "several American officials said the Israeli exercise appeared to be an effort to develop the military’s capacity to carry out long-range strikes and to demonstrate the seriousness with which Israel views Iran’s nuclear program."

More than 100 Israeli F-16 and F-15 fighters reportedly participated in the maneuvers over the eastern Mediterranean Sea and Greece earlier this month.

The exercise included Israeli helicopters and refueling tankers that flew more than 900 miles, which is approximately the distance between Israel and Natanz, the site of Iran's uranium facility. The helicopters could be used to rescue pilots if their flights would be intercepted by Iran.

Israel military spokesman responded to the Times that the Air Force "regularly trains for various missions in order to confront and meet the challenges posed by the threats facing Israel."

Senior Pentagon officials told the newspaper that the aim of the maneuvers was to practice refueling and send a clear message that Israel may attack Iran if Tehran does not accept diplomatic efforts to stop it from producing uranium for a nuclear bomb.

"There’s a lot of signaling going on at different levels," according to one American defense official.

Iran has beefed up defenses of its nuclear facilities, many of which were built deep underground to escape an aerial attack. Mike McConnell, director of US intelligence, who recently made a rare visit to Israel, said earlier this year that Iran is purchasing Russian-made missiles that could help deter an Israeli attack.