The United States and Israel are warning Tehran they will defend
themselves if threatened, in response to a barrage of Iranian missile
tests.
Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel is focusing on diplomacy with Iran, but he added that
Israel is not afraid to take action if its vital security interests are
threatened.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice issued a similar warning.
Asked about Iran's claim that it has the ability to destroy Israel,
Rice said the United States has enhanced its security presence in the
Persian Gulf and is working to ensure its allies can defend themselves.
Despite Rice's comments in Tbilisi, where she met with Georgian officials today,
U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the missile tests have not
brought the U.S. any closer to military conflict with Iran.