Iranian media reports state that major war games are underway in which its navy successfully tested a new speed boat that boasts capabilities of destroying enemy vessels. The three-day exercise in the Strait of Hormuz is another Iranian step to flex its military capabilities amid a possible western military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Conflicting messages are being released by senior military and political officials, with most indicating the military option will only be used as a last resort, with preference given to diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions.

According to an ILNA report, over 300 vessels are taking part in the maneuvers, and Iranian officials add one remote controlled vessel included in the fleet is capable of blowing a large hole in any enemy vessel.

Pentagon spokesman Bryn Whitman released a statement that America is monitoring the exercise, which he indicates appears to be a routine military event, nothing more.

One of the more recent statements regarding Iran was released by US Vice President Joe Biden, who told ABC that everyone including Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu agrees, the next step to take towards halting Iran’s nuclear program is sanctions. Biden added there is total agreement with this, expressing optimism that renewed stiffer sanctions will move ahead by month’s end.

When the vice president was questioned as to the possibility of Israel launching an attack without informing the US, he stated this would not happen, adding Israel has agreed to wait and see if the next round of sanctions are effective. The vice present added that even China has turned around and now supports stiffer sanctions, eliminating the concerns of China using its veto power in the UN Security Council.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)