September 16, 2008	Tuesday	Ramazan 15, 1429

TEHRAN, Sept 15: Iran staged air defence exercises on Monday and said anyone attacking the Islamic Republic would regret it, Iranian news agencies reported.

The Fars and ISNA news agencies said the air force drill was being held in half of the Islamic Republic’s 30 provinces but did not give details or say how long it would last.

Dozens of aircraft took part in the manoeuvres, in which an imaginary enemy would attack Iran’s air defences, ISNA said.

Iran has said neither US nor Israeli forces are in a position to strike but has vowed to strike back at Israel and US interests and shipping if it is attacked.

Military analysts say Iran’s real ability to respond could be with more unconventional tactics than a missile salvo, such as deploying small craft to hit oil tankers, or using allies in the area to strike at US or Israeli interests.

The commander of Iran’s aerial defence, Brigadier General Ahmad Mighani, said the exercise was staged to increase military readiness, Fars said.

“(Mighani) emphasised that the enemies would receive a serious response for any aggression and we would surprise them and make them regretful,” ISNA reported.

Speculation about a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear sites has risen since Israel staged an air force exercise in June which was reported to be a simulation of a strike against Iran.—Reuters