BBC unveils US plans to attack Iran

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Nuclear facilities in Iran

The BBC has unveiled a suspected US plan to attack Iran that would not only target nuclear facilities, but also most of its military infrastructure. According to the British corporation, the attack ordered by US President George W. Bush would include air bases, naval bases, missile facilities and command-and-control centres.

The information was unveiled just before the deadline the UN Security Council gave to Iran to suspend its enrichment of uranium, February 21. If they fail to do so, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms the failure to comply, the UNO resolution contemplates the possibility of economic sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Diplomatic sources told the BBC that senior officials at the Central Command in Florida have already selected their target sets inside Iran, and they would include Iran's uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, as well as facilities at Isfahan, Arak and Bushehr.

According to the BBC, the trigger for such an attack could be any confirmation that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran has repeatedly denied.

But the United States could also launch an attack if a high-casualty attack on US forces in Iraq were carried out and if it were traced directly back to Tehran.

According to the BBC, long range B2 stealth bombers would drop so-called "bunker-busting" to try to penetrate the Natanz site, which is buried some 25m (27 yards) underground.

Earlier this month US officials said they had evidence Iran was providing weapons to Iraqi Shia militias, but Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the accusations were "excuses to prolong the stay" of US forces in Iraq.