Iran test fired a long-range Shahab-3 missile on Monday, state-run Press TV reported.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps began a series of missile exercises Sunday to promote the armed forces’ defense capabilities. The tests, which are expected to conclude on Monday, are codenamed “Payghambar-e Azam 4” or “The Great Prophet 4,” Press TV said. Shahab-3 missiles are touted by Iran as being able to strike targets within a range of about 800 to 1,250 miles (1,300 to 2,000 kilometers). The missiles fired at targets around the country on Sunday included the Fateh-110, a short-range ground-to-ground missile, and Tondar-69, a short-range naval missile, the station said. Several models of medium-range Shahab missiles were tested at night, Press TV reported. Watch Iranian missile tests In May, Iran said it tested a surface-to-surface missile that is capable of reaching parts of Europe.
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A White House official said actions in Iran were noteworthy. “Of course, this is just a test, and obviously there is much work to be done before it can be built and deployed. But I see it as a significant step forward in terms of Iran’s capacity to deliver weapons,” said Gary Samore, special assistant to the president on nonproliferation. The latest test follows Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s disclosure Friday that Iran was building a second uranium enrichment facility. Watch analyst’s view on missile tests, nuclear tensions
The United States and Israel believe that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear energy program. Iran has denied the allegation.
