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Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. Footage of Iran missile test


Iran has test-fired what it called a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which is capable of reaching its main regional enemy Israel, state media say.
The missile, said to have a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles), was one of nine launched from a remote desert site.
Iran has tested the Shahab-3 before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme.
The US denounced the test and called on Iran to abandon its missile programme.
Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.
'Aggressive language'
The aim of the early morning launch of the "upgraded" Shahab-3 missile was to demonstrate Iran's "determination and power to the enemies who have used aggressive language during recent weeks", state media reported.
"We are ready to defend the integrity of the Iranian nation," said the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, Brigadier General Hoseyn Salami.


Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also fired as part of the Great Prophet III war games being staged by the Guards.
"Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy," Gen Salami added. "The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."
The tests are part of an escalating bout of sabre-rattling intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's nuclear installations, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.
Our correspondent - who is in Israel - says the country has a fully operational anti-ballistic missile system which Israeli military experts believe is capable of countering any Iranian threat.

But there is no room for complacency, he adds.



HAVE YOUR SAY Why is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country? Mike, London, UK



On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would respond to any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.
Other commanders have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large part of the world's oil flows, and to target the US and its allies around the world if Iran comes under attack.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the test justified Washington's plan to base a missile shield plan in eastern Europe - which is strongly opposed by Russia.
"Those who say that there is no Iranian threat against which to be building missile defences perhaps ought to talk to the Iranians," Ms Rice said in Bulgaria.
'Joke'
However, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insisted his country had no intention to attack Israel.


He also said Iran did not fear an attack by the US or Israel over its nuclear activities, dismissing the possibility as a "joke".
Speaking during a visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Mr Ahmadinejad said the economic, political and military situation would dissuade US President George W Bush from any such move.
The missile test came shortly after the US Treasury announced new financial sanctions on Iranian officials it suspected of involvement in the country's nuclear programme.
Among those targeted were a senior scientist at the defence ministry, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh-Mahabadi, and three companies believed to be related to the arms industry.
The launch came as G8 leaders called for Iran to halt uranium enrichment.
Western leaders have been attempting to convince Tehran to stop enriching uranium, which it has continued despite the imposition of sanctions by the UN and the European Union.
Iran denies Western assertions that it is developing nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.

Story from BBC NEWS:
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iran sends missile test warning

Published: 2008/07/09 1111 GMT

© BBC MMVIII

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Lorenzo

Let The Games Begin

Boon Mee

I'll bet the Jews are shaking in their boots!

Milkman

The new verions of the Shahab-3 test was just more posturing and also a way to reveal Iran can and will retaliate if attacked. The US does this, Israel did this recently, and now Iran. Many countries do these things.

As for today, I think the US will not attack Iran for several reasons. But the Israelis very well may, because they percive Iran as a threat. I do understand the Israelis wanting to make a pre-emptive strike. I would not want to be living in Israel right now, nor in the next several years.

Bugs

I think the big winner out of the Georgia situation is Iran. Now I don't think the west would risk any type of military move (or allow Israel to make the move), and Russia surely won't get on board for any new sanctions.

Iran is probably a lock to end up with Nukes at this stage.

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"Religion is an insult to human dignity. With or without it, you'd have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, it takes religion" - Steven Weinberg

panama hat

^ True, Bugs . . . and how much is having nukes a matter of self-defense and being a nuclear power?

britmaveric

Maybe - but Israel won't think twice about bombing them either.

Butterfly

The west is losing all those silly battles,

with Americans at the top of the losing front,

britmaveric

Actually winning, but futile to convince u otherwise

Butterfly

^ we all know you don't seriously mean it, Brit, it's part of your act

Bugs

Actually I think as more and more countries in the middle east get nukes it will destabilize the region. The situation in the ME is much different than other parts of the world. Russia and the US acted as counter balances of power during the cold war and there were so many nukes involved that Mutual Assured Destruction was pretty much a guarantee. Pakistan and India also act as counter balances, and while MAD is not really an issue between them neither wants to run the risk of alienating there allies around the world by being the first to launch.

In the ME with only Israel having nukes I think the only way they would ever dare use them is if they were basically on the verge of elimination – which is not likely to happen. However, if other countries in the region get nukes I don’t thing the same balancing act exists in the ME as there is in other parts of the world.

This is not to say that I think Iran will do anything with nukes once they do obtain them. But if Iran gets them, next Iraq will want them, and then Egypt, and then……… And I don’t think the world needs more and more countries with nuclear weapons.

Nuclear power is another issue all together, and I don’t begrudge any country wanting to develop this technology. And in Iran I don’t have a problem with them wanting to develop this technology internally (with outside assistance maybe). But it is pretty clear that nuclear weapons will also be part of the package for Iran.

panama hat

^ Why are you writing what I am thinking?

mad_dog

Iran needs a show of strength. It doesn't want to be illegally attacked by the Zionist entity like Syria last year.