Iran blasts US defensive missiles plan for Gulf

AP: Iran is dismissing U.S. moves to increase the defensive missiles system in Gulf Arab countries against potential strikes by Tehran.

The Associated Press

By NASSER KARIMI

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran is dismissing U.S. moves to increase the defensive missiles system in Gulf Arab countries against potential strikes by Tehran.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said on Tuesday that Iran considers the U.S. plan "inefficient."

The remarks follow reports that the Obama administration has quietly increased the capability of land-based Patriot defensive missiles in several Gulf Arab nations. One U.S. military official said last week that the Navy is increasing the presence of ships capable of knocking out hostile missiles in flight.

Iran has missiles ranging up to 1250 miles which could hit Israel and the U.S bases in the region.