Iran begins large-scale drill, as U.S. urges Tehran to 'engage' instead

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran has reportedly launched air defense war games aimed at protecting its nuclear facilities against attack.

Iran's state TV says the large-scale, five-day drill will involve an area about a third of the size of the country. A general with an Iranian air force unit says the war games will cover regions where Iran's nuclear sites are located.

The United States and its European allies accuse Iran of embarking on a nuclear weapons program. Iran insists the program is only for peaceful purposes.

Meanwhile, a senior Obama administration official is urging Iran to engage with the international community, instead of engaging in military exercises.

Undersecretary of state for arms control and international security Ellen Tauscher says the U.S. would rather that Iran try to "build confidence" with the world community.

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<<CUT …135 (11/21/09)>> 00:07 "begin tomorrow Sunday"

Ali Akbar Dareini (AH'-lee AHK'-bahr dah-RAY'-nee), AP correspondent

AP Correspondent Ali Akbar Dareini reports Iran is about to begin military tests to protect its nuclear sites.

<<CUT …136 (11/21/09)>> 00:14 "commanders are saying"

Ali Akbar Dareini (AH'-lee AHK'-bahr dah-RAY'-nee), AP correspondent

AP Correspondent Ali Akbar Dareini reports the war games are taking place because of perceived threats from other nations, particularly Israel.

<<CUT …137 (11/21/09)>> 00:10 "facilities are located"

Ali Akbar Dareini (AH'-lee AHK'-bahr dah-RAY'-nee), AP correspondent

AP Correspondent Ali Akbar Dareini reports the intention behind these war games is the protection of Iran's nuclear sites.

<<CUT …151 (11/21/09)>> 00:10 "the maximum ability"

Dr. Sajjan Gohel (SAH'-jahn GOH'-hehl), Director of International Security, Asia Pacific Foundation

Asia Pacific Foundation director for International Security Dr. Sajjan Gohel says Iran is keeping the world guessing over whether it has the ability to make nuclear weapons.

<<CUT …152 (11/21/09)>> 00:14 "domestically and internationally"

Dr. Sajjan Gohel (SAH'-jahn GOH'-hehl), Director of International Security, Asia Pacific Foundation

Asia Pacific Foundation director for International Security Dr. Sajjan Gohel says planned war games in Iran Sunday are aimed at protecting its nuclear facilities from possible attack.

<<CUT …153 (11/21/09)>> 00:10 "in the future"

Dr. Sajjan Gohel (SAH'-jahn GOH'-hehl), Director of International Security, Asia Pacific Foundation

Asia Pacific Foundation director for International Security Dr. Sajjan Gohel says the war games will cover a large area in Iran and will involve an attack by airplanes representing a hypothetical enemy.

<<APPHOTO LON857 (11/22/09)>>

: In this image made available Sunday Nov. 22 2009 and taken from Al Alam TV, an Iranian army unit is seen working atop a military vehicle in an unspecified location in Iran. Iran on Sunday Nov. 22 2009 began large-scale air defense war games aimed at protecting the country's nuclear facilities against any possible attack, state television reported. It said the five-day drill will cover an area a third of the size of Iran and spread across the central, western and southern parts of the country.

<<APPHOTO LON852 (11/22/09)>>

: In this image made available Sunday Nov. 22 2009 and taken from Al Alam TV, a missile is fired in an unspecified location in Iran. Iran on Sunday Nov. 22 2009 began large-scale air defense war games aimed at protecting the country's nuclear facilities against any possible attack, state television reported. It said the five-day drill will cover an area a third of the size of Iran and spread across the central, western and southern parts of the country.

<<APPHOTO LON856 (11/22/09)>>

: In this image made available Sunday Nov. 22 2009 and taken from Al Alam TV, an Iranian army unit is seen working in an unspecified location in Iran. Iran on Sunday Nov. 22 2009 began large-scale air defense war games aimed at protecting the country's nuclear facilities against any possible attack, state television reported. It said the five-day drill will cover an area a third of the size of Iran and spread across the central, western and southern parts of the country.