Israel prepares Iran nuclear test repercussion scenariosJanuary 10, 2012 - 20:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel believes that it will have to deal with a nuclear-armed Iran within a year. Israeli officials have begun preparing scenarios for the day after a nuclear weapons test. The move is a tacit recognition that Israel is backing away from its long-held position that it would do everything in its power - including mounting a military strike - to stop Iran acquiring nuclear capabilities. The simulation exercise was conducted in Tel Aviv last week by the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), a think-tank. Its conclusions suggest that a nuclear test would radically shift the whole power balance of the Middle East. The Israeli specialists assumed that the following would occur: The U.S. would try to restrain Israel from military retaliation and propose a formal defence pact, including possibly inviting the Jewish state to join NATO; Russia would propose a defence pact with the United States in an effort to stop nuclear proliferation in the Middle East; Saudi Arabia, not content with US nuclear guarantees, would develop its own nuclear arms programme; Egypt would push for military action against Iran while Turkey would be likely to avoid a showdown with Tehran. If Israel were to become a member of NATO, Turkey would withdraw from the organisation. All the predictions are based on current international policies, The Times reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |