Report: Israel, U.S. hold large-scale joint missile defense exercise

Iran's Shahab-3 missile has a range of up to 800 miles, and can carry a warhead payload of up to 544 pounds.

JERUSALEM – Thousands of American and Israeli troops conducted an operation Sunday to test new ways of intercepting missiles able to carry nuclear, chemical and biological warheads, American and Israeli military officials said.

Israel and the U.S. are concerned that Iran could be developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles able to threaten Israel. But both sides said the timing of the operation in southern Israel's Negev Desert was routine and unrelated to those fears.

The officials gave details of the operation on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to do so. This is the fourth time the two countries have conducted the joint exercise, code-named “Juniper Cobra,” which is held every two years.

Read the rest at the San Diego Tribune

Related Link:
Gulf countries deny giving air space for Israeli attack on Iran

Related Link:
Israel to hold nationwide nuclear attack drill

Related Link:
Report: 3 Gulf states agree to Israeli overflights en route to Iran; Turkey urged to allow U.S. overflights, ground attack

Related Link:
Report: Israel seeks U.S. okay for Iran attack

Related Link:
Report: U.S. attack plans for Iran include destroying naval, air bases, most of 'military' infrastructure