| ID | 080320 |
| Title Proper | How will Iran retaliate to an attack on its nuclear facilities? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Shoham, Dany |
| Publication | 2007. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The issue of a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities to halt progress towards
nuclear weapons is intensifying. This paper attempts to comprehend that possibility,
along with its implications. It does not deal with the prospects for a military strike
against Iran. But, since such an attack may take place, the present analysis inquires
into the feasibility of non-nuclear, WMD-based Iranian retaliatory options, strategically
and operationally, in case the attacker does not intend to eliminate those
options, in conjunction with targeting nuclear facilities. Beyond the scope of this
paper are the various ways to counter Iranian CBR weapons. This analysis supposes
the absence of Iranian nuclear weapons at present.
It is concluded that Iran endeavours to sustain rapid retaliatory capabilities by
non-nuclear WMD in case its nuclear facilities are attacked. Iranian leaders also
have the ability to choose to retaliate at once. A preemptive attack cannot focus exclusively
on Iran's nuclear establishment. To be effective, it also must incapacitate
Iranian CBR weapons, immediately before or in conjunction with the destruction
of nuclear facilities. |
| `In' analytical Note | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 28, No.3; Dec 2007: p542-558 |
| Journal Source | Contemporary Security Policy Vol. 28, No.3; Dec 2007: p542-558 |
| Key Words | Iran ; Nuclear Weapons ; WMD ; Nuclear |