The New Media Journal | NATO Chief: West Needs New Missile Shield Against Iranian Nuclear Threat

The New Media Journal | NATO Chief: West Needs New Missile Shield Against Iranian Nuclear Threat: "NATO's Secretary-General has urged the construction of a new missile defense system to protect Europe from the threat of Iranian nuclear attack. Anders Fogh Rasmussen told The Sunday Telegraph he has full American backing for a proposed $253 million defensive 'shield', which he hopes will be agreed in November at a summit of members in Lisbon.

Rasmussen was speaking after weapons inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency warned last week that Iran had passed a crucial nuclear threshold which took it nearer to being able to arm ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

'Based on their public statements we know that Iran already has missiles with a range sufficient to hit targets in Europe, and they don't hide the fact that they want to further develop their capability,' Mr. Rasmussen said. 'If Iran eventually acquires a nuclear capability that will be very dangerous, and a direct threat to the allies. That is the reason why I am now proposing a new and effective NATO missile defense system.'"

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