For an in-depth analysis of Iran's missile and special weapons programs contact AFI
 
While Iraq has warned the Iranian leadership that these actions risk restarting the 1980-88 Gulf War in which more than a million died, the likelihood of a serious resumption of fighting is low. Iran has serious internal problems and although the ailing Islamic revolutionary leadership may normally have welcomed an external threat they are unlikely to challenge Iraq at a time when all eyes are on the growing threat of a major conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
 
The Iranian Presidential election on the 8th June is being held against the background of the moral collapse of the 22 year old Islamic revolution, a popular reform movement is seriously challenging the Mullahs for the first time.
 
The Conservative religious leadership has been cracking down on dissent in recent months and they fear the 30,000 or so anti Revolutionary Khalq forces based in Iraq could become the focus of a major uprising against their authoritarian rule.
A challenge, indeed, which they can no longer be sure of surviving!

For more information on this volatile area and its conflicts contact AFI.