Israel has launched a covert war against Iran as an alternative to direct military strikes against Tehran's nuclear programme, US intelligence sources have revealed. It is using hitmen, sabotage, front companies and double agents to disrupt the regime's illicit weapons project, the experts say. The most dramatic element of the "decapitation" programme is the planned assassination of top figures involved in Iran's atomic operations. Despite fears in Israel and the US that Iran is approaching the point of no return in its ability to build atom bomb, Israeli officials are aware of the change in mood in Washington since President Barack Obama took office. They privately acknowledge the new US administration is unlikely to sanction an air attack on Iran's nuclear installations and Mr Obama's offer to extend a hand of peace to Tehran puts any direct military action beyond reach for now.
It is using hitmen, sabotage, front companies and double agents to disrupt the regime's illicit weapons project, the experts say.
The most dramatic element of the "decapitation" programme is the planned assassination of top figures involved in Iran's atomic operations.
Despite fears in Israel and the US that Iran is approaching the point of no return in its ability to build atom bomb, Israeli officials are aware of the change in mood in Washington since President Barack Obama took office.
They privately acknowledge the new US administration is unlikely to sanction an air attack on Iran's nuclear installations and Mr Obama's offer to extend a hand of peace to Tehran puts any direct military action beyond reach for now.
Iran's defence minister is holding talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow over strengthening military ties, amid speculation Tehran is pushing Moscow to supply it with air defence missiles. Mostafa Najar and Anatoly Serdyukov were set to discuss "current and future questions about bilateral military relations," Russia's defence military said. "I hope that this visit will lead to long-term development of relations in military co-operation, security and the strengthening of security in the region and around the world," Najar said. Russian newspapers have reported that Najar is urging Moscow to fulfil a contract for the delivery of Russia S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. "It is not ruled out that during the talks the Iranian side will raise the question about fulfilling a contract for the delivery of the S-300," the Interfax news agency quoted a military source as saying.
Iran's defence minister is holding talks with his Russian counterpart in Moscow over strengthening military ties, amid speculation Tehran is pushing Moscow to supply it with air defence missiles.
Mostafa Najar and Anatoly Serdyukov were set to discuss "current and future questions about bilateral military relations," Russia's defence military said.
"I hope that this visit will lead to long-term development of relations in military co-operation, security and the strengthening of security in the region and around the world," Najar said.
Russian newspapers have reported that Najar is urging Moscow to fulfil a contract for the delivery of Russia S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.
"It is not ruled out that during the talks the Iranian side will raise the question about fulfilling a contract for the delivery of the S-300," the Interfax news agency quoted a military source as saying.
