Some call it Tehran�s bluff aimed at holding Israel and others at bay while others explain repeated warnings against a missile attack against Iran�s nuclear facilities is fair warning to avoid dire consequences.

In the latest statement, Revolutionary Guard Deputy Commander Mohammad Hejazi, warned his country will preempt at any time it feels is �national interests� are being threatened.

While the United States and Europe would like to use the Security Council to slap stiff sanctions on Iran in the hope of compelling Tehran�s adherence to the demands of the international community to abandon its nuclear program, Russia and China remain loyal allies, blocking such a move as permanent members of the Security Council.

In the interim, efforts are underway to impose a marine blockade to prevent Iranian oil exports in the hope that a economic stranglehold will yield the anticipated objectives. This was in response to the increase in the price of a barrel of oil from $107 in January to $119 today.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)