US, “Israel” launch largest Air Drill

"Israel" and the United States started a major air war exercises Wednesday as part of what "Israeli" public radio described preparation for a face-off with Iran.

During the two-week drill, dubbed Juniper Cobra, some 1,000 American veterans will mesh ground- and ship-based missile interceptors like the Aegis, THAAD and Patriot with "Israel's" Arrow II ballistic shield, war officials stated.

Spokesmen on both sides claimed that the biennial drill was separated from world events, but "Israeli" Radio quoted an unidentified commander as saying it aimed "to prepare for a nuclear Iran."

The United States and other world powers are trying to halt Tehran's nuclear program, while the "Israelis" gaze cautiously from the sidelines.

"Israel", the region's only nuclear armed state in the Middle East, has implied it could choose force to thwart its arch-foe reaching the means to threaten its existence.

"Israel" has an estimated 200 nuclear warheads, and it has not sign the non-proliferation treaty; moreover, it is not an IAEA member state with plans to build a nuclear power plant in Negev desert.

But some political analysts consider that tactical limitations, and U.S. misgivings about pre-emptive strikes, may force "Israel" to admit a more offensive stance with the help of its top ally.

Besides, Iran denies any intentions for seeking a nuclear bomb and has threatened to avenge any attack by firing its medium-range missiles at "Israel".