Halting What?

Iran Test Fires New Missile

Social Issues – Iran has done the opposite of halting its nuclear energy program as it announced a nuclear “fuel” breakthrough while simultaneously test-firing a new radar-evading medium-range missile in the Gulf on Sunday.

The moves come as a direct contradiction to recent attempts by Tehran to avert the looming threat of harsh new sanctions on its oil industry.

President Barack Obama signed a law on Saturday that imposed stringent financial sanctions on Tehran for its nuclear research program, one which the White House believes is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

The law is expected to hurt Iranian oil exports, and with the EU rushing to similar measures, Tehran is striking back by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were placed on its oil exports.

Still, Tehran indicated on Saturday that it would be willing to resume international talks regarding its nuclear program.

The “fuel” breakthrough was spun in the Iranian media as the successful production and testing of its own uranium fuel rods for use in the Islamic Republic nuclear power plants.

Deputy Navy Commander Mahmoud Mousavi also told IRNA state news agency that it had successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile. Tehran has delayed the pre-announced plan to test-fire long-range missiles that would be capable of reaching Israel or U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

Not all believed the report as Western analysts indicated that Tehran frequently exaggerates or fabricates its nuclear breakthroughs to gain leverage in its international standoff.

Read more at Yahoo News.