This almost has to border on the insane. Whatever Iran's strengths may be, Iranians essentially have no polar experience, especially in an environment as harsh as Antarctica. It takes special training, preparation, and equipment to operate in Antarctica, in the Austral summer, and especially in the Southern winter. Temperatures in July, for example, have been recorded as low as -89.33 degrees C or -128.8 degrees F. That is cold enough for dry ice to form. Can the Iranian Navy deal with that? It's tough enough for the Russians.

I think this is them doing an exploration trip to find a place in Antarctica which doesn't have a nationality to test nuclear weapons. They wouldn't test them in their own country and they sure wouldn't lauch an attack against Israel if they thought it might not work because the retaliation from the rest of the world would level them if it was discovered they tried a nuclear attack against another country and it didn't work.

Because honestly, what "research" could possibly justify the spending Iran is doing on a "reasearch vessel" to the south pole. The fact that it is being done by their Rear Admiral of the Navy with military support screams that it is a military, not scientific operation.

And may they take every pro Ahmadinejad Iranian, as well as their Mullahs along.

It will be required after the current political, military and cleric disappears.

And prepare there a comfortable place for the present iranian leaders after their fall. But unfortunately seals and penguins will be not delighted too much.

Did'nt you notice how much a penguin looks like an iranian woman in her islamic dresses? I am afraid of what is going to happen to these unlucky birds at the hands of mullahs.

Ahmet, it is a good idea, but do you think that anybody wants the sperms of Ahmadinejad?

As Putin said as soon as someone drills for energy all bets are off. The US is undecided as to back current claims which the do not acknowledge or go independent. But the big players will be there Russia, US, PRC, perhaps India.

Though it would be interesting to see how Iran plan to get its warships to the South Pole (Fly them there?), I thnk either the reporter misquoted Sayyari or he mistook the north pole for the south pole.

As you know, they actually prefer goats. I wonder how they (the goats) manage with cold.

Ummm.. does Iran know that the South Pole is actually 800 miles "inland" from the coast of Antarctica? Must be some new James Bond techno-surf-turf vessels.