IRAN TESTS LONGEST-RANGE MISSILES
Baku, September 28 (AZERTAC). Iran has successfully test-fired some of the longest range missiles in its arsenal, state media says.
The Revolutionary Guards tested the Shahab-3 and Sajjil rockets, which are believed to have ranges of up to 2,000km (1,240 miles).
The missiles` range could potentially reach Israel and US bases in the Gulf.
The tests come amid heightened tension with the big international powers over Iran`s nuclear ambitions.
Last week, Iran disclosed it was building a second uranium enrichment plant, despite UN demands that it cease its enrichment activities.
Iran is due to hold crucial talks with the five UN Security Council members plus Germany on Thursday on a wide range of security issues, including its nuclear program.
“An improved version of Shahab-3 and the two-stage Sajjil, powered by solid fuel, were fired,” the Guards` air force commander Hossein Salami was quoted as saying by the state-owned Arabic language Al-Alam television channel.
These tests are part of several days of military war game exercises known as Sacred Defense Week.
On Sunday, the medium-range Shahab-1 and 2 missiles with a range of 300 to 700km (186 to 434 miles) were tested.
The short-range Tondar-69 and Fateh-110 type, with a range of up to 170km (100 miles), were also tested.
The Shahab-3 and Sajjil rockets are believed to be capable of reaching not only Israel and US bases in the Gulf, but also parts of Europe.