Iran poised for counter-strike on Israel

TEHRAN, June 29 (UPI) -- Iran has missiles aimed at the site where the Israeli nuclear program is believed to be based, The Times of London reported Sunday.

The newspaper, citing sources, said the Shahab-3B missiles were moved after an Israeli air exercise over the Mediterranean, believed to be a dress rehearsal for an attack on Iranian nuclear reactors.

The Iranian missiles have a range of 1,250 miles, putting Israel within their reach. But U.S. President George Bush has approved a link between Israeli defenses and a U.S. satellite detection system that would allow Israel to track the missiles soon after launch.

Adm. Michael McMullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Israel this weekend for talks with Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi.

"Although the visit had been planned well in advance, we got the feeling

he was coming to make sure we'll obey the strict timetable agreed with

the U.S.," an Israeli defense source told the Times.