Cruising In Iran

Caution: this is a post-progressive post.

There are reports that Iran has acquired some cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Ukraine has confirmed that its X-55 cruise missile was exported to China and Iran around four years ago. Officials said that in 2001 Iran received 12 X-55 cruise missiles, a Soviet-origin weapon manufactured by Ukrainaviazakaz.

The X-55, also termed the Kh-55 or AS-15, was designed to carry a nuclear warhead. Officials said none of the missiles exported to either China or Iran contained a nuclear warhead. Six X-55 missiles were said to have been exported to China in 2000.

"The results of the investigation have revealed a criminal group that engaged in the illegal sales of armaments," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Borys Tarasyuk said. "It's an international group, and it comprises citizens from a wide range of countries."

Some theories about how these might be used are beginning to emerge into public view.