Iran: Missiles aimed at U.S., Israel sites

TEHRAN, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- A government-affiliated Iranian Web site says the country has 600 missiles pointed at Israeli and U.S. targets.

The Web site, Assar Iran, said the 600 Shihab-3 missiles will be launched at targets within Israel and U.S. targets in Iraq if Iran or Syria are attacked, the Jerusalem Post reported Monday.

"Iran will shoot at Israel 600 missiles if it is attacked," the Web site said. "600 missiles will only be the first reaction."

The report follows French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner's statements that the standoff over Iran's nuclear ambitions is forcing the world "to prepare for the worst." However, he said negotiations are still the preferred course of action for the time being.

Iranian state media responded to the statements by accusing France of pandering to U.S. interests.

"The new occupants of the Elysee (French presidential palace) want to copy the White House," the IRNA news agency said in an editorial.