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Shamkhani: Israel will `pay dearly` if it attacks nuclear plants

IRNA

Tehran, Dec 22, IRNA -- Defense Minister Rear-Admiral Ali Shamkhani 
warned Israel against any plan to attack Iran`s nuclear facilities, 
saying the Zionist regime `will pay a heavy price` if it does so. 
The statements came in response to his opposite number in Israel, 
Shaul Mofaz, who has been cited as saying the Zionist regime was 
considering a plan to destroy Tehran`s nuclear capabilities. 
"The Zionist regime`s minister of war must understand this fact 
that no place will be safe for the rulers of this regime if they 
realize their threats against our country," Shamkhani told IRNA here. 
The Haaretz daily cited Mofaz as telling Israel radio`s Persian 
service last week that `the necessary steps will be taken if a 
decision is made to destroy Iran`s nuclear capability`. 
Shamkhani said, "As we have repeatedly announced, we will confront
firmly and strongly any threat which may seek to challenge our 
national security and interests." 
"Although Mofaz`s statements were rapidly corrected by the Zionist
regime`s radio, such threats are generally unrealistic and very 
unlikely, given that regime`s estimation of Iran`s capability of a 
response," he added. 
President Mohammad Khatami laughed off earlier Monday Israeli 
defense minister`s revelation about the Zionist regime`s plan to 
destroy Tehran`s nuclear capabilities. 
"He made a damn mistake," the Iranian president retorted with a 
smile, when asked to comment on the statements made by Mofaz. 
BH/210 
End