Iran tests new long-range missile
Friday, 14 November 2008
Iran says it has successfully tested a new long-range surface-to-surface missile that is capable of hitting targets in Europe, reports BBC .
Known as the Sajjil, it was described on state TV as a high-speed, solid-fuel missile with a high level of accuracy.
Defence Minister Mohammed Najjar said the missile was a defensive weapon.
Western nations and Israel suspect Iran is seeking to develop an atomic weapon and some have called for pre-emptive strikes against its facilities.
Speculation of a possible strike either by the US or by Israel rose earlier in the year, but has receded amid the lengthy US presidential election campaign.
However, US President-elect Barack Obama has refused to rule out the option of launching a military attack on Iran.
Speaking on state TV, Mr Najjar said the new two-stage missile had an "extraordinarily large capability", but gave few specific details other than its estimated range - of up to 1,200 miles (1,930km).
That would comfortably be enough to strike targets in Israel, as well as bringing into range a swathe of south-eastern Europe.
Iran's current solid-fuel missile, the Fateh, has a range of just 100 miles (170km). Solid-fuel missiles are reputedly more accurate than liquid-fuel missiles, which make up the majority of Iran's long-range arsenal.
Known as the Sajjil, it was described on state TV as a high-speed, solid-fuel missile with a high level of accuracy.
Defence Minister Mohammed Najjar said the missile was a defensive weapon.
Western nations and Israel suspect Iran is seeking to develop an atomic weapon and some have called for pre-emptive strikes against its facilities.
Speculation of a possible strike either by the US or by Israel rose earlier in the year, but has receded amid the lengthy US presidential election campaign.
However, US President-elect Barack Obama has refused to rule out the option of launching a military attack on Iran.
Speaking on state TV, Mr Najjar said the new two-stage missile had an "extraordinarily large capability", but gave few specific details other than its estimated range - of up to 1,200 miles (1,930km).
That would comfortably be enough to strike targets in Israel, as well as bringing into range a swathe of south-eastern Europe.
Iran's current solid-fuel missile, the Fateh, has a range of just 100 miles (170km). Solid-fuel missiles are reputedly more accurate than liquid-fuel missiles, which make up the majority of Iran's long-range arsenal.