Iranian flag with fire in the background. Photo: www.nation.com.pk

LA Times – As a European Union oil embargo took effect, a defiant Iran said Sunday that it was beginning a new round of war games that would involve firing missiles at models of foreign air bases.

The war games are an example of how Iranian leaders are projecting an image of strength at a time when the country’s sanctions-battered economy is in a downward spiral. Iran also is facing the possibility of attack because of its nuclear program, and its major Arab ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad, is struggling to put down an armed rebellion.

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