AND THE ANSWER FROM THE MULLAHS - AT 12:23 P.M. ET: 

TEHRAN (Reuters) - President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday Iran had tested a missile that could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, in a move likely to add to Western concern about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

Ahmadinejad announced the test on the same day campaigning for the June 12 presidential election officially started. A U.S. defense official also confirmed the launch.

One Western expert saw the missile test as Iran's response to the Israeli prime minister's U.S. visit this week.

Coming a day after Iran's supreme leader accused the United States of promoting terrorism, the test may further disappoint U.S. President Barack Obama's administration, which is seeking rapprochement with Iran after three decades of mutual mistrust.

COMMENT:  When will we ever learn?  The mullah regime is not going to do a thing for us.  Oh sure, they may bend a bit and make some noises to keep negotiations going, and stall for time, and that will give the trendies an excuse to demand more talks.  But if anyone thinks the mullahs built all those nuclear installations, just to give them away in a negotiation, that person is delusional.

Tough times coming with Iran.  Given the way we really stood up to North Korea over its recent missile test, don't expect much flash from Washington.

May 20, 2009