Source: Reuters

Israeli and US troops on Sunday began a missile defense exercise called “Austere Challenge 12”, hailed as their largest-ever joint military operation. The exercise involves 3,500 personnel from the US European Command and 1,000 Israeli troops and is expected to last three weeks. Observers identified this missile defense exercise as a clear signal to Tehran over its disputed nuclear drive in the context of tension relationship between Washington and Tehran and public raises the question if Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, both United State and Israeli authorities confirmed that the above judges are unfounded.