NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran launches a major military exercise meant to deter
Iraq and the United States amid the rising prospects of war.Officials said the Iranian military began a three-day exercise near Qom
on Friday. They said the maneuvers would include ground troops supported by
air platforms.Iranian commanders said the exercise was meant to demonstrate Iran's
military capability in an effort to deter Teheran's enemies. The reference
appeared to focus on the United States, which Teheran fears will launch an
attack during or after a war against Iraq."The three-day exercise consists of maneuvers by various units of ground
forces aimed at displaying the country's latest military achievements, as
well as promoting defensive capabilities," Iranian army commander Brig. Gen.
Nasser Mohammadi-Far said. "The enemy should know that we will retaliate
against any move. We are preparing so that no enemy will dare attack us."
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