US General: Strikes on Iran possible by 2007 – News from Israel, Ynetnews
US Air Force General reveals details of possible US aerial offensive against Iran should diplomacy fail to solve dispute over Tehran’s nuclear ambition; says ‘doing it alone’ is not an option for Israel

Yitzhak Benhorin
Published: 10.12.06, 14:27

WASHINGTON – Is it possible to halt Iran’s nuclear program by military means? For years, this question has been asked by Israeli and US military officials.

Israel prefers Washington to act on its behalf but academics, left-wing politicians and experts say a military option is not on the cards for the Bush administration because of the situation in Iraq.

But retired US Lieutenant General Thomas McInerney thinks otherwise. There is a good military solution to Iran’s nukes but it requires courage and determination to act Mcinerney told Ynet in an interview.

McInerney served as a pilot and a strategic commander in the US Air Force for 35 years. Following his retirement in 1994 he served as a commentator for Fox News.

McInerney said Iran should be attacked by fall 2007 if diplomacy fails.

He added that an aerial attack should be backed by a secret land operation aimed at deposing the Ayatollahs.

McInerney said a military operation against Iran should aim at destroying 1,500 targets within 24 to 36 hours, which would delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by at least five years.

He added that paralyzing the Iranian air force and the Shihab 3 missiles aimed at Israel would be among the goals of a US military offensive against Iran.

He said the Iranian Navy should also be destroyed to prevent Tehran from blocking the Persian Gulf.