Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire

Major Energy and Environmental News and Commentary affecting the Nuclear Industry.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

The Iranian Ballistic Missile Launches That Didn’t Happen

http://lobelog.com/the-iranian-ballistic-missile-launches-that-didnt-happen/#more-33453

The Iranian Ballistic Missile Launches That Didn’t Happen

by Greg Thielmann
Iran’s binge of short- and medium-range ballistic missile launches on March 8 and 9 garnered considerable attention in the press and in American political circles. These provocative launches, which coincided with a visit to Israel by Vice President Joe Biden, were roundly condemned by U.S. politicians in both parties.
It may be more revealing, however, to focus on two Iranian missile types that were not launched last week—launches that have been expected for years. These systems, the Simorgh space rocket and the Sejjil-2 medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), represent aspects of missile development that have been of most acute concern to those who worry about the threat that future long-range Iranian missiles could pose to Europe and the United States.
The missiles launched last week have been identified as the 750 kilometer-range Qiam and the 1,600 kilometer-range Ghadr-1. Both are single-stage, liquid-fueled systems. Neither demonstrated a new capability; neither system is prohibited by the Iran nuclear deal. http://lobelog.com/the-iranian-ballistic-missile-launches-that-didnt-happen/#more-33453

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