Iran confirmed plans to mass-produce its new Qader cruise missile “as quickly as possible,” while its defense minister brushed off an informal U.S. proposal to create a hot line reminiscent of the one used during the Cold War.
Iran’s defense minister, Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, also was quoted in the country’s state-run media Wednesday as saying that the United States would be better served simply to leave the region if it is concerned about potential tensions between the two countries, according to
The New York Times.
“They are seeking to set up a hot line in order to solve any potential tensions, whereas we believe if they leave the region, there will be no tension,” Iran’s Fars News Agency quoted Vahidi as saying.
Qader, which means Able in Farsi, was unveiled a month ago with a reported range of about 125 miles. It is designed to target warships and coastal targets.
Adm. Mike Mullen, outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently floated the idea of a hot line between the two countries, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad endorsed it last week at a news conference.
© 2013 Newsmax. All rights reserved.