Iran says it has successfully tested a ballistic missile
The Islamic republic has said it will further develop its “defensive” missile programme, despite US and European opposition.
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammadreza Ashtiani said, “Our message to Iran’s enemies is that we will defend the country and its achievements. Our message to our friends is that we want to help regional stability.”
State TV aired a few seconds of footage from what it said was the launch of an improved version of Iran’s Khorramshahr 4 ballistic missile, which has a range of 2,000 km (1,243 mi) and is capable of carrying a 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) warhead. is capable.
State news agency IRNA said the liquid-fuelled missile was named “Kheibar”, after a Jewish palace captured by Muslim warriors in the early days of Islam.
“The outstanding features of the home-made Khyber missile include quick preparation and launch time, making it a tactical weapon in addition to the strategic one,” it said.
Israel, which does not recognize the Islamic Republic, views Iran as an existential threat. Iran says its ballistic missiles are an important deterrent and counter-force against the United States, Israel and other potential regional adversaries.
Israeli officials could not immediately be reached for comment about Iran’s missile launch.
The top Israeli general on Tuesday considered possible military action against Iran, as efforts by six world powers to revive Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal have stalled since last September, fueling Western fears about Tehran’s accelerated nuclear progress. among.
The deal, which Washington ditched in 2018, placed curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities that would require Tehran to produce enough fissile material for a nuclear bomb if it chose to do so. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
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