Israel Matzav

Iran tests longer-range Shihab-3 missiles - UPDATED WITH VIDEO

Iran tested a longer-range version of the Shihab-3 ballistic missile (shown in military parade) on Wednesday morning. Iran's Revolutionary Guards terror organization fired a total of nine medium and long-range missiles, some of which had a range of 2000 kilometers as opposed to the previous maximum of 1300. Tehran is 1598 kilometers from Tel Aviv, although other cities in Iran are closer.

Gen. Hossein Salami, the Guards' navy commander, was quoted as saying the exercise, dubbed 'The Great Prophet 3,' would "demonstrate our resolve and might against enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh language." The drill was conducted in the Persian Gulf and the strategic Strait of Hormouz.

The television said the missiles fired included a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which Iranian officials say has a range of 2,000 kilometers, as well as improved Zelzal and Fateh missiles.

The tests were conducted on the second day of the military exercise, which was announced on the Guards' web site late Monday. According to the announcement the drill involved "missile squads." The Revolutionary Guards and Iranian army hold regular exercises two or three times a year, but the statement did not specify whether or not this drill was a special exercise.

Iran's English-language propaganda station Press TV adds.

Shahab 3 is equipped with a one-ton conventional warhead.

Nine highly advanced missiles with improved accuracy were simultaneously tested including the Zelzal and Fateh missiles with ranges of 400km and 170km respectively.

...

Press TV correspondent reporting from the site of the maneuver says the missiles could strike any target within the specified range regardless of climate conditions or the time.

IRGC Naval Commander Morteza Saffari said various missile, rocket and torpedo launchers as well as military vessels and land-to-sea missiles were tested during the exercise.

"The IRGC Navy is carrying out this maneuver to show it is fully prepared to counter any possible enemy aggression or adventurism," said Saffari.

"The maneuver also sends out a reassuring message to regional countries that together we can secure the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz without the presence of foreign forces," he added.

Meanwhile, IRGC Air Force Commander Hossein Salami told Press TV that the aim of the exercise was to demonstrate 'just how strong-willed the Islamic Republic is in defending its sovereignty against any challenges by those enemies that have used harsh and threatening words against Iran in recent weeks.'

Let me guess: They're developing ballistic missiles for 'peaceful purposes.'

UPDATE 2:54 PM

I now have two video updates. The first is a BBC report that most of my readers should understand. It includes some footage from Iranian television. Let's go to the videotape.



The second video has more of the Iranian television broadcast, but came from Channel 10 in Israel. The broadcast is in Persian with very occasional Hebrew subtitles. Let's go to the videotape.



UPDATE 3:18 PM

Here are reactions from Israel and the US:

Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said: "Israel seeks neither conflict nor hostilities with Iran, but the Iranian nuclear program and the Iranian ballistic missile program must be of concern for the entire International community."

The White House reacted strongly to the missile test.

"Iran's development of ballistic missiles is a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world," said National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
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Johndroe said that the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany "are committed to a diplomatic path, and have offered Iran a generous package of incentives if they will suspend their uranium enrichment activities."

"They should also refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world. The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately."

'Peaceful nuclear energy' anyone?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 12:54 PM