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Iranian Warships Sail From Syria

Their presence had raised tensions there

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 21, 2012 7:51 AM CST

(Newser) – A pair of Iranian warships that had been docked in Syria departed today, after a visit that seemed designed to show support for Bashar al-Assad's regime. The ships arrived Saturday, officially to provide maritime training to Syria, according to Iran's state-run TV. But their presence, along with that of Russian ships, has ratcheted up tensions, the New York Times reports. One senior Iranian lawmaker said they sent "a clear message against the United States' possible adventurism."

The lawmaker specifically condemned John McCain's call to arm the Syrian rebels, warning of a "crushing response" from Iran and Russia if the US committed such a "strategic mistake." That wasn't the day's only Iranian saber-rattling, either; the country also warned that it was now considering preemptive strikes to protect its nuclear program. "If we feel our enemies want to endanger Iran's national interests … we will act without waiting for their actions," its deputy armed forces chief said.

An Iranian warship crosses through the Suez Canal near Ismailia in Egypt, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Observer

Feb 21, 2012 11:21 AM CST

Pure Propaganda Bullshit. Ratchets up the tensions? Right. While our "freedom fighting" US military has 100 warships, hundreds of air force attack weapons, hunter drones, advanced hypersonic missiles, huge multiple air bases, 1,200 30,000 pound earth penetrating weapons stationed in Israel and 150,000 shock troops in the immediate vicinity. Boy, those two Iranian ships were really provocative and threatening. We better starting attacking Iran right away with everything we got. Isn't it about time American looked in the mirror and realized we are the greatest threat to other people's peace in the world? We attack anyone we want to. Even fake the reasons to attack. It is perverted. Our Generals are enemies of the US Taxpayer. Anybody else notice that the Iranian mess is doing one thing for sure. Driving gasoline prices off the charts. Imagine what the price will be if we nuke a few Iranian cities? It ain't pretty.

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Iranian Warships Sail From Syria

Their presence had raised tensions there

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iran • Russia • Syria • Iranian nuclear program • Iran sanctions

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More Newser Stories

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But they are at least slowing it down

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...by turning off ships' GPS

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Recent posturing has already sent price up 20%

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Warns against attacking Iran, intervening in Syria

Iran Cuts Oil to UK, France

Oil ministry issues ultimatums to European refineries to sign long-term contracts

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