GI Joe
11-13-2008, 12:40 AM
Iran says it has successfully tested a new long-range surface-to-surface missile that is capable of hitting targets in Europe.
Known as the Sajjil, it was described on state TV as a high-speed, solid-fuel missile with a high level of accuracy.
Defence Minister Mohammed Najjar said the missile was a defensive weapon.
Western nations and Israel suspect Iran is seeking to develop an atomic weapon and some have called for pre-emptive strikes against its facilities.
Speculation of a possible strike either by the US or by Israel rose earlier in the year, but has receded amid the lengthy US presidential election campaign.
However, US President-elect Barack Obama has refused to rule out the option of launching a military attack on Iran.
'Deterrent doctrine'
Speaking on state TV, Mr Najjar said the new two-stage missile had an "extraordinarily large capability", but gave few specific details other than its estimated range - of up to 1,200 miles (1,930km).
That would comfortably be enough to strike targets in Israel, as well as bringing into range a swathe of south-eastern Europe.
Iran's current solid-fuel missile, the Fateh, has a range of just 100 miles (170km). Solid-fuel missiles are reputedly more accurate than liquid-fuel missiles, which make up the majority of Iran's long-range arsenal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm
New Missile 'Test-Fired' By Iran
Iran says it has test-fired a new surface-to-surface missile with the capability of reaching Israel and US bases in the Gulf.
Washington responded to the claim by saying such a test-fire was "completely inconsistent" with Iran's international duties.
White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe warned Tehran in a statement that it should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".
Iranian state television broadcast the launch of a missile over the desert, leaving a long trail of vapour.
The weapon was said to have a range close to 1,200 miles - similiar to another Iranian missile called Shahab 3 - easily putting US interests in the region within reach.
cont
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Iran-Test-Fires-New-Missile-Surface-To-Surface-Weapon-Could-Reach-Israel-And-US-Bases-In-Gulf/Article/200811215150174?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Regi on_7&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15150174_Iran_Test-Fires_New_Missile%3A_Surface-To-Surface_Weapon_Could_Reach_Israel_And_US_Bases_In_ Gulf
Known as the Sajjil, it was described on state TV as a high-speed, solid-fuel missile with a high level of accuracy.
Defence Minister Mohammed Najjar said the missile was a defensive weapon.
Western nations and Israel suspect Iran is seeking to develop an atomic weapon and some have called for pre-emptive strikes against its facilities.
Speculation of a possible strike either by the US or by Israel rose earlier in the year, but has receded amid the lengthy US presidential election campaign.
However, US President-elect Barack Obama has refused to rule out the option of launching a military attack on Iran.
'Deterrent doctrine'
Speaking on state TV, Mr Najjar said the new two-stage missile had an "extraordinarily large capability", but gave few specific details other than its estimated range - of up to 1,200 miles (1,930km).
That would comfortably be enough to strike targets in Israel, as well as bringing into range a swathe of south-eastern Europe.
Iran's current solid-fuel missile, the Fateh, has a range of just 100 miles (170km). Solid-fuel missiles are reputedly more accurate than liquid-fuel missiles, which make up the majority of Iran's long-range arsenal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7725951.stm
New Missile 'Test-Fired' By Iran
Iran says it has test-fired a new surface-to-surface missile with the capability of reaching Israel and US bases in the Gulf.
Washington responded to the claim by saying such a test-fire was "completely inconsistent" with Iran's international duties.
White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe warned Tehran in a statement that it should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".
Iranian state television broadcast the launch of a missile over the desert, leaving a long trail of vapour.
The weapon was said to have a range close to 1,200 miles - similiar to another Iranian missile called Shahab 3 - easily putting US interests in the region within reach.
cont
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Iran-Test-Fires-New-Missile-Surface-To-Surface-Weapon-Could-Reach-Israel-And-US-Bases-In-Gulf/Article/200811215150174?lpos=World_News_News_Your_Way_Regi on_7&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15150174_Iran_Test-Fires_New_Missile%3A_Surface-To-Surface_Weapon_Could_Reach_Israel_And_US_Bases_In_ Gulf