Making and Influencing Enemies

“The Iranians use diplomatic mail [pouches] in order to transport bombs and weapons, and we know that there are states in South America, like Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Bolivia, where the Iranians have terror bases, both in the embassies and among the local Shi’ite Muslim populations,” 
“[The Iranians] built this infrastructure for the eventuality that they will have to act against Jews, Israelis or Israeli interests, but it is important to them as an infrastructure that enables them to act within the United States.” 
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon 

During a meeting with Guatemalan President Otto Fernando Perez, these statements were made, with the belief that the bases spoken of could be used for the purpose of attacking Jewish or Israeli regional interests, or to mount attacks within the United States, reflecting the attack that was apprehended, meant to target the Saudi ambassador in Washington, DC. Propagandist fear-mongering or sharing intelligence?

The Islamic Republic of Iran is much on the minds of many of the countries of the Middle East. Aside from Israel, Iran's activities certainly concern the majority Sunni countries of the geography. This, despite a new initiative undertaken by Iran to diplomatically disarm the suspicions of its Sunni neighbours. The new charm offensive doesn't appear to have soothed any concerns; rather it has led to further, enhanced concerns.

Iran is better known for its aggressive stance against its neighbours. Its long-term plan to intimidate and finally present as a regional power with influence abroad through the quiescent support of China and Russia, and its success in aiding its satellite, Syria in defeating Syrian Sunni revolutionaries anxious to shed themselves of the tyranny of a fellow Shia dictatorship, adding to its confidence. A confidence already in the upper stratosphere with the American agreement to 'give peace a chance'.

Giving peace a chance is a theory that Iran finds extremely appealing. It has argued, all along, after all, in the face of accusations it seeks nuclear weapons through its spinning up-dated centrifuges producing highly enriched uranium that its sole interest remains energy and medical-isotope production in its heavy-water nuclear facilities. It is hugely misunderstood, dreadfully wronged. A peaceful interregnum is perfect, a foil to once again gain time to advance nuclear plans.

Despite that, caution at this juncture might be well advised; Iran however, simply cannot resist admiring itself and its state-of-the-art technological advances. Touting its capabilities for enhanced missile accuracy. Where at one time its ballistic missiles were accurate to 200 metres, their brilliant use of laser systems has resulted in new Iranian missiles capable of striking within two meters of their targets.

"The inaccuracy of (our) ballistic long-range missiles in hitting targets is so minimal that we can pinpoint targets. The accuracy of surface-to-surface missiles is now two metres, while at some stage in the past it was 200 metres. We strive to reach zero accuracy", gloated Hossein Dehghan, Iranian minister of defence.

Mere boasting, a speciality of the Republic? Likely not. The Pentagon had last June released a public report making special note of what they identified as significant advances in Iranian missile technology. That the Islamic Republic has improved accuracy and firing capabilities of its missiles many of which use solid fuel or a combination of solid and liquid fuel to improve the accuracy of the weapons.

Weapons. Accurate delivery. This is, of course, the pet project of the elite top management of the Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei. Aspiring to achieve the ultimate weapon of aggression and fear. To consolidate their reputation as a terrorist-sponsoring government. To achieve the clout of terror for themselves.