Iran sends missile test warning

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 countrys 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 Irans 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 Irans 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 Tehrans 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.

On Monday, an adviser to Irans 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 worlds 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 Washingtons 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.

Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

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 countrys 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.