Iran inaugurates new air base to protect against possible strike

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Iran has inaugurated a new air base near its eastern border with Afghanistan to protect against a possible strike by enemy forces operating in the neighboring country, state television reported Tuesday. The new base is part of a broader military build-up by Teheran, which is concerned about the US military's presence in neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan at a time of heightened tension between the two nations. "Inauguration of this airbase was aimed at responding to a possible strike swiftly and strongly if a strike or attack is launched against the country," the head of Iran's air force, General Ahmad Mighani, told state television. Mighani said the base, which was inaugurated Monday, was meant to boost the presence of Iran's air force in the eastern part of the country. Most of the country's 12 air force bases are currently situated in the west.