US vs Iran bookmaker

[Banquo's Ghost]

For brevity sake I'll just mention this one. It's called the Shihab missle and yes it's real. Besides, even if it is just a game you need a long range delivery system or your threat isn't credible. It's not paranoia, it's common sense.
Edit: It should be the Shihab 5, the 3 can only reach from Israel to Afganistan.

Indeed, and the Shihab 4 also, which has a theoretical range of 2800 km (enough to reach Europe).

However, having a prototype (which is all these are) and being able to use it effectively are two very different things. Being able to fit a nuclear warhead to one of these Soviet-era designs and make it work is yet another thing. Being able to get past modern-era defenses is close to impossible unless you have overwhelming numbers - not possible for Iran.

The Israelis have publically noted that their Arrow 2 systems can take care of Shihabs. Europe could easily do the same, as could the States.

The leaders of Iran are pragmatic. The extent of US power in nuclear arms means that no state is going to seriously consider use of any nuclear attack - they'd never get through, and their country would be instantly vapourised. Having a nuclear weapon is all about dick-measuring, and should be treated with the same disdain. You don't get into a fight with every insecure bar-room bully just to prove him foolish.

Iran is a very long way from marrying their missile and a nuclear technology. They want to be recognised as a regional power. The US could make this very easy by flattery and appropriate bribes. Pander to their vanities, not their fears. Charm, don't threaten. You used to be really good at this.

You might find a lot of Middle Eastern problems get easier fast.

[Idaho]

Iran isn't after nukes for offensive capabilities. They want them because the world's superpower keeps making threats. If I was the Iranians and playing there hand, I would be getting a nuke together asap.

[yesdachi]

Iran isn't after nukes for offensive capabilities. They want them because the world's superpower keeps making threats. If I was the Iranians and playing there hand, I would be getting a nuke together asap.

I wonder if that is the same reason the US originally developed their Nuke program. the one they are constantly being criticized about.