TEHRAN - The U.S. launched the opening salvoes of its war against Iraq two weeks ago by firing missiles at the southeast area of Baghdad in what was later known to be a surprise "decapitation" operation targeting the Iraqi leadership. Soon afterwards, certain media reported that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his sons might have been killed or severely wounded in the attacks. However, Saddam appeared several times on the TV to defy the reports, even though some U.S. officials believe his addresses have been pre-recorded.