Keep out of our skies, Iran tells Americans
February 20, 2003 Edition -1
Tehran - Iran's forces will "confront" any United States aircraft that uses its airspace during possible strikes on neighbouring Iraq.
This was the message yesterday from the country's Defence Minister, Ali Shamkhani.
Iran opposes any military operation against Iraq and has repeatedly urged Baghdad to co-operate with UN arms inspectors to remove any pretext that the US might use to launch a war.
"We will defend our airspace and will not let America violate our airspace while attacking Iraq," Shamkhani told reporters.
"We will not allow our airspace to be used in any condition, even if the UN Security Council approves an attack on Iraq."
Asked what Tehran would do if US jets unintentionally entered Iran's airspace during possible strikes on Iraq, Shamkhani said: "We will give a decisive and ultimate answer to Americans to confront their possible mistakes."
Iran, sceptical of Washington's motives for military action against Iraq, fears the US
would try to reshape the region based on its own interests after a war.
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami said: "Nobody supports Saddam's regime, but America's motives have prompted (negative) reaction from Arabic, Islamic and European countries."
Iran fought a bitter war with Iraq in the 1980s. - Reuters
