What's in the headlines?

Iran’s “real Iron Dome” air defence system

Iran has deployed its new national missile defence system. Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabifard, Vice Speaker of Iran’s Parliament dubbed the system the “real Iron Dome,” in reference to the joint US-Israeli Iron Dome missile shield, which demonstrated its capabilities in the recent conflict between Hamas fighters and the Israeli Defence force. Aboutorabifard went on to say “Today Iran's Air Defence System has provided our country with an Iron Dome in its real sense and Iran's airspace is the safest in the region,"

Iran first announced plans to create a mid-range and long-range national missile defence system back in August. However, Tehran has so far provided no footage that would prove the effectiveness of the air defence system. Aboutorabifard insisted that Iran's air defence system has “the highest deterrence power in the region.”

Iran’s military personnel and its scientists have been busy developing technology to further advance their strategic capabilities. Fars news agency reported that a UAV with abilities to evade missiles is in development, as well as testing a number of suicide drones (a type of cruise missile). Iranian Air Force spokesman General Hossein Chitforoush announced that Iran has started mass production of

Saeqeh (Thunder) fighter jets

What's in the Headline?

Saboteur arrested at Iranian nuclear power plant 

Iranian authorities have arrested a Ukrainian national suspected of sabotage at the country's sole nuclear power plant. An Iranian newspaper, Hamshahri daily, said the "Ukrainian expert" was affiliated with a Russian contractor that works in the power plant. The report did not elaborate on the timing or nature of the alleged sabotage. Iran suspects Western countries of being involved in this plot. In 2010 Iran held Israel and the west responsible for cyber virus attacks which disrupted thousands of centrifuges, which are used in the production of fuel. The west and their allies suspect that Iran is using its power plant as a guise for a nuclear weapons programme.

UN inspectors have gained rare access to an Iranian nuclear facility, giving them a "better understanding" of Tehran's disputed programme. Despite the visit Iran continues to refuse an inspection headed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Inspectors visited a research and development centre for centrifuges on 30 August. Iran says it will use it’s refined uranium to fuel a proposed series of power plants. If enriched to a high concentration of the U-235 isotope of uranium can also be turned into the explosive core of an atomic bomb. There is no evidence that Iran is planning to weaponise the uranium, but western countries continue to impose sanctions on Iran.