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Report: Iran Revolutionary Guard Commander Killed in Explosion was Testing Intercontinental Missile

Report: Iran Revolutionary Guard Commander Killed in Explosion was Testing Intercontinental Missile

A cloud of black smoke rises after an explosion rocked a weapons depot in Iran Nov. 12, 2011. A senior commander killed in the blast was reportedly testing a missile, his brother said Saturday. (Image source: Fars News Agency)

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander killed in an explosion at an ammunition depot west of Tehran last week died while testing an intercontinental missile, his brother was quoted by a government newspaper as saying Saturday.

Mohammad Tehrani Moghaddam, himself a Guard officer, also said in an interview published Saturday that his brother Gen. Hasan Tehrani Moghaddam had founded the missile unit of the Lebanese Hezbollah group.

Gen. Moghaddam was killed together with 20 other Guard members Nov. 12 at a military site outside Bidganeh village, 25 miles southwest of Tehran. The Guard said the explosion was an accident and occurred while military personnel were transporting munitions.

But Mohammad Tehrani Moghaddam was quoted by the government-run Iran newspaper as saying that his brother was killed when the weapon exploded during testing. He did not dispute that the explosion was accidental.

“He lost his life while doing a final test of the missile,” Moghaddam said. “The project was in the final testing phase. It was related to an intercontinental ballistic missile … It was a completely high-tech, confidential process.”

These key quotes were left out of the text printed by the newspaper. They appeared on the paper’s website early Saturday, but were deleted later in the day.

The Guard has praised Moghaddam as the founder of the elite unit’s surface-to-surface missile capability.

In a statement released after the explosion, the Guard said it would not forget Moghaddam’s “effective role in the development of the country’s defense…and his efforts in launching and organizing the Guard’s artillery and missile units.”

Moghaddam headed a “self-sufficiency” unit of the Guard’s armaments section, it said.

In the interview, Mohammed Tehrani Moghaddam said that this brother had set up Hezbollah’s missile capability. “Hasan…visited Lebanon and created Hezbollah’s missile unit there,” he was quoted as saying.

Iran is a key supporter of Hezbollah and is believed to funnel it weapons and millions of dollars in funding, though Tehran denies arming the Shiite group. Hezbollah, also closely allied to Syria, boasts a heavy arsenal of rockets capable of reaching deep inside Israel.

The Revolutionary Guard, Iran’s most powerful military force, is in charge of Iran’s missile program.

Iran’s arsenal boasts missiles with a range of about 1,250 miles that were designed for Israeli and U.S. targets. The missile capability, along with Iran’s nuclear program, are among the reasons why Israel considers Iran its most dangerous enemy.

Moghaddam said his brother was also involved in Iran’s space program, assisting the rocket that took an Iranian satellite into orbit.

He didn‘t elaborate but said Hasan was favored by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Moghaddam himself was once Khamenei’s bodyguard.

The Guard initially said 17 Guard members were killed in the explosion. The semi-official Mehr news agency listed the names of 21 victims prompting the military force to say some of those critically injured had succumbed to their wounds later.

Comments (117)

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  • txn4justice
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:39am

    Glad he is dead.

    Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:36am

      Sounds like Ahmed the Dead Terrorist….premature detonation.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • txn4justice
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:39am

      Marci is funny! Score!

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:50am

      If anyone has missed this .. a MUST see!

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uwOL4rB-go

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 12:18pm

      I’ve heard an ICBM could kill you. WMDs are that way, I think. You gotta get up pretty early in the morning if you want to be as smart that kind of technology, though. I guess he proved his aptitude for it though.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Devil Dog 7175
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:09pm

      COOL!… Keep up the testing! (with the same results)

      Report Post » Devil Dog 7175  
    • someonewhocares
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:50pm

      One less person for the US to kill.

      http://politicalbowl.com – Political Videos

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:52pm

      Like the Mexicans from burros to Escalades and the Muslims from Camels to missles. They cant step from 1000 yrs behind the world and be very bright, mean yes but not bright

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 2:32pm

      I’d say the missle works fine, for us.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.
      Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison: Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth. Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna: Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession. O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind. As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm. Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish: That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth. Psalm 83

      Report Post »  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 5:17pm

      I heard that the fuse was too short for him to get away. It is so.

      Report Post » Jinglebob  
  • Luckywon
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:39am

    “The project was in the final testing phase. It was related to an intercontinental ballistic missile … It was a completely high-tech, confidential process.”

    Not so confidential anymore, huh.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:25am

      Nothing to see … Iran just being Iran .. it’s coming soon …

      Pray for Israel

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • John 1776
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 3:30pm

      Ahhhhh… Just how do you test an ICBM?
      Fire it?
      And why was the test in the middle of a city?
      Something more than a little weird here. I mean, it‘s not like they don’t have plenty of available desert.

      Report Post » John 1776  
    • Lord_Frostwind
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 4:24pm

      Testing in a city is a ridiculous idea, but knowing Iranian style tactics it isn’t a surprise. One, you can theoretically conceal the excess heat off an engine test in the background heat of a city much more than if you were in the open desert (Depending on which satellite is watching). Second, it fits in with their usual tactics of building vital military targets in the middle of a city so that any attack will result in high civilian casualties, they do love their human shields. Still, it is very odd for them doing final testing for an ICBM in the middle of a populated area.

      Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
  • Seneca264
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:33am

    Damn, he should have plugged in the green wire instead of the red wire. The North Koreans are very bad at translating their instruction booklets into other languages. Hahahahahahahahahaha you stupid a.s.s.h.o.l.e.s.

    Report Post » Seneca264  
  • don young
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:31am

    Did you ever think if the make a nucular weapon if they try to use it they will most likely destroy there own country that is about how smart they are.

    Report Post »  
    • Gary Fishaholic
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:59am

      We can only hope so that would be fantastic if they took them selves out!

      Report Post » Gary Fishaholic  
    • CatB
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:50am

      Now that I would be good.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Awakened One
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 1:27pm

      Don’t be so sure it would be good. You know they would accuse Israel of attacking them and use it to hype up more hatred.

      Report Post »  
    • colt1860
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 3:59pm

      Yep. As I’ve said before, Iran is a joke. Iran is not able to militarily or technologically compete with any highly developed Nation. A nuclear weapon is much more difficult to actually use, then it is to make it. Look at North Korean and their many failed mini missile launch tests. These suicidal idiots are playing with fire, and they’re going to get burned. Sorry, but I find Freddy Kruger scarier than Iran. I will lose no sleep or run scared like a sissy because of Iran. Our collapsing economy and the immorality and ignorance of our youth is a bigger threat than Iran can ever impose.

      The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor. We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against aggression – to preserve freedom and peace. – Reagan

      America does not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is the well-wisher to the freedom and independence of all. She well knows that by enlisting under other banners than her own, were they even the banners of foreign independence, she would involve herself beyond the power of extrication in all the wars of interest and intrigue, of individual avarice, envy and ambition, which assume the colors and usurp the standards of freedom. – JQ Adams

      Just my two cents.

      A Conservative realistic view of foreign policy. Check it out:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9SOVzMV2bc

      Report Post »  
  • 4-The-Truth
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:01am

    I think we are seeing the beginnings of cyber warfare. If the Russians can fry an Illinois utilities water pump by hacking into its controls, the Israelis shouldn‘t have too much problem hacking into Iran’s missile system and caused them to self-destruct. I understand we already hacked into the Iranian computers that control their uranium enrichment plant and set them back couple years on that.
    Google has the chutzpah to take on China and published many photos China would rather keep censored. It shouldn’t be any problem for the Israeli engineers at Google to handle Iran.

    Report Post » 4-The-Truth  
    • Gary Fishaholic
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:01am

      Hope your right!

      Report Post » Gary Fishaholic  
    • Hiswill
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:09am

      That would make for one quick war. With no losses on our side.

      Report Post » Hiswill  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 3:35pm

      So… Google & FaceBook… are on our side, now… and not supporting Obama?

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • Dudley Do-Right
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:56am

    On the 17th, Debkafile is reported that the explosion may have been an Israeli covert operation.

    “The two statements together aroused lively speculation in the tense climate left by the latest nuclear watchdog agency‘s evidence of Iran’s work on a nuclear weapon. Linking them might suggest that the Israeli prime minister had decided to refute the Iranian general’s claim. By stating that “efforts are ongoing” to stop Iran’s nuclear armament, he may have been implying that the explosion at the Guards base Saturday was indeed a covert Israeli operation in line with those efforts.”

    http://www.debka.com/article/21488/

    And yesterday they raised the possibility that either it was an Israeli covert operation or the Stuxnet virus is responsible for the explosion.

    http://www.debka.com/article/21496/

    I hope either and or are correct?

    Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:41am

      They are playing by Rahm’s book – “never let a good crisis go to waste”.
      They probably blew themselves up but figure to stir up more hate by saying the Israelis were responsible.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
  • chickster
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:33am

    Can’t be that many virgins in hell!

    Report Post » chickster  
  • tbeachhead
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:33am

    In my Kid’s Church, we pray every Sunday that those who would bring destruction on the innocent would be caught in their own devices, that plots will be foiled, and conspiracy brought to light.

    Report Post » tbeachhead  
    • nonofmybiznez
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:46am

      Thank you tbeachhead…that is a prayer worth praying. May you and God continue to work together for the good of all mankind.

      Report Post » nonofmybiznez  
    • jagr1850
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:28am

      pray for small miracles

      Report Post » jagr1850  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:26am

    talk about a huge visual saying THIS is where we have our bombs.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • OlefromMN
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:48am

      Something tells me Israel already knew where they were.

      Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • showmerancher
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:04am

      Everyone pretty much knew where they were. You can see the facility on Google maps (as it looked before the explosion), including the nearby missiles on their mobile launchers arranged in a circular pattern.

      Report Post »  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:25am

    talk about a simple sign from God.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • reconmarine
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:19am

    Quick…send them some more missles. At this rate, they’ll destroy their entire country in weeks.

    Report Post »  
  • reconmarine
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:17am

    And Atheists say there is no GOD.

    Report Post »  
  • Secessionista
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:17am

    If they want nuclear weapons, give them one or two and see how they like them.

    These idiots would turn Tehran into a glassy parking lot in no time. The survivors will surely blame Israel.

    Come to think of it, isn’t that the best way to portray an Israeli nuclear first strike? Just say the Iranians had another premature detonation. Or claim that one of their own martyred himself to stop his own evil regime from having weapons. Call it the Arab Nuclear Winter.

    Report Post » Secessionista  
  • reconmarine
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:16am

    Well it appears that it was at INTRAcontinental missle.

    Report Post »  
    • hkyfan36
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:56am

      Now that is funny… thanks for the Laugh!!

      Report Post »  
  • samnjoeysgrama
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:10am

    Read “One Second After” about EMP blasts. Everything they are doing is designed along the lines of an EMP. If my neighbor stood in his driveway with a rifle yelling “I am getting my ammo tomorrow and then you and your family are dead!” Would you want John Wayne and the army to take him out or have Obama negotiate with him?.
    We should turn that place into a glass parking lot NOW!

    Report Post » samnjoeysgrama  
    • reconmarine
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:18am

      Give them another week to keep trying to light the fuse on their missle. They’ll destroy themselves.

      Report Post »  
    • Great999
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 11:08am

      what a great story that book told…also watch some of the jericho tv series on netflix or hulu.. story bout what happens after similar event… people need to help each other the world is unraveling as we speak. one spark is all it needs, a blind person can see the direction of things..

      Report Post »  
    • Shasta
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 3:36pm

      Regarding Iran, nuclear weapons and EMPs, the only thing worse than having Obummer as pres would be having Mr. Paul.

      Report Post » Shasta  
  • TWO BITS
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:07am

    Moghadden seems to have made a slight miscalculation. No problem here.
    Panetta has asked Israel to restrain themselves from attacking Iran’s nuclear facilties. Iran’s incompetence could save everyone the trouble and expense of halting their progress.

    Report Post » TWO BITS  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:03am

    Tick tock tick tock tick tock———–
    not if – only when

    Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:14am

      OMG!! They are a threat to the sovereignty of the USA… We must bomb them right away.. Please start the bombs so we can stop with the endless mind numbing propaganda… Please start bombing Iran!!! I can’t take it any longer..

      There Will Be Blood!!! The Amerian Christian demands it! Bombs away!

      Report Post » techengineer11  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:59am

    .
    He started thinking about 72virgins, and suffered premature detonation…..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • ares338
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:56am

    And we aren’t supposed to be worried that these cave dwellers have nukes? Keep on testing.
    Alley Oop Snackbar.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:52am

    So in Iran they test ICBM’s in the middle of a city, in the middle of a weapons depot. Let’s just help them along.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • Roger Finkelstein
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:45am

    What the heck are they doing with a weapons facility in the middle of a city? Can’t wait until they test their nuclear weapons.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:58am

      They want maximum civilian casualties if Israel strikes. The idiot world press would love photos of dead babies.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Martypanther
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:01am

      It’s located in the city so that when Israel bombs it, they can be accused of targeting innocent civilians.

      Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:18am

      I bet you can’t Mr. Finkelstein. You have your account positioned correctly already? Has the klan given you the exact date and time it will all commence?

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • mohavegreen
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 10:23am

      It was in a mosque, synonym for weapons storage, they were praying they would not get out alive. The Somalia goat boat load of virgins had just arrived.

      Report Post » mohavegreen  
    • chips1
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 3:43pm

      GONZO: If all they wanted was pictures of dead babies, they should just go to a Democrats abortion clinic in America.

      Report Post »  
  • garyM
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:45am

    Gee…… we better not take out their missiles, they might use those missiles on us for trying to take those missiles that they said they were going to use on use us!

    Report Post »  
  • BrerRabbit
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:43am

    Allah Akbar!

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:41am

    Silly Muslims, advanced weapons technology is for infidels.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Shenandoahvalleypatriot
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:45am

      Great “Trix are for kids” reference. I however get visions of the coyote and his packages from ACME every time one of those nuts blows themselves up!

      Report Post » Shenandoahvalleypatriot  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:53am

      It’s fun for us to turn them into cartoon characters but, we’re whistling past the graveyard. This might set them back but, it won’t stop them from developing this technology. If N. Korea can do it, so can Tehran.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:33am

    God is JUST…..

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • ZAP
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 8:45am

      Yes He is,that why you see faithless America ending

      Report Post » ZAP  
    • Martypanther
      Posted on November 19, 2011 at 9:07am

      @Zap…You’re a buzz-killer, but you’re absolutely right.

      Report Post »  
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