Iran's Military Execises Send A Clear Signal To Israel And The U.S.

Iran's Military Exercises Send Strategic Message to Israel, US -- PBS

Iran launched five-day military exercises on Nov. 16 to test its air defenses in case of an attack on its nuclear sites or other sensitive facilities. The war games -- dubbed Defenders of the Sky of Velayat III -- are the largest exercises ever held, according to the government. In a key development, Iran tested a new air defense missile system.

The exercises come at a sensitive time, given tensions over Iran's nuclear program, talk of a future Israeli strike, and scheduled diplomatic talks in December. As in the past, the new war games have been accompanied by a fair amount of bluster, bravado and strategic messaging. Their primary purpose, beyond training and testing new systems, is to showcase Iran's capabilities and deter potential attackers.

Given the advance rhetoric, Iran appears to be primarily messaging Israel, although other countries, including the United States, are also on the list.

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Update: Experts Doubt Iran's Missile Defense Claims -- Global Security Newswire

My Comment: No one denies that this military exercise was done more for media exposure and playing to an Iranian audience .... but there is also a message to Iran's adversaries .... the U.S. and Israel being the prime targets .... that any attack on Iran will be met with deadly force.

Is the U.S. and/or Israel listening .... I doubt it. The U.S. has no interest or will to confront Iran's nuclear program (sanctions and talk of more sanctions not withstanding), and Israel is limited by distance and a lack of resources to be able to pull off any sustain air campaign against Iran.

This is all theater .... and everyone is playing their part.