This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/7496765.stm

The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Iran sends missile test warning Iran sends missile test warning
(about 1 hour later)
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. Iran has test-fired nine missiles, including a new version of the Shahab-3, which is capable of reaching its main regional enemy Israel.
The missile, said to have a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles), was one of nine launched from a remote desert site. The Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles), was armed with a conventional warhead, state media said.
Iran has tested the Shahab-3 before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme. Iran has tested the missile before, but the latest launch comes amid rising tensions with the US and Israel over the country's nuclear programme.
The US denounced the test and called on Iran to abandon its missile programme. The early morning launch at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.
Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe called on Iran to "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".
'Aggressive language' 'Under surveillance'
The aim of the early morning launch of the "upgraded" Shahab-3 missile was to demonstrate Iran's "determination and power to the enemies who have used aggressive language during recent weeks", state media reported. Two other types of missile with shorter ranges were also fired as part of the Great Prophet III war games being staged by Iran's military.
"We are ready to defend the integrity of the Iranian nation," said the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, Brigadier General Hoseyn Salami. Brig Gen Hoseyn Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' air force, said: "Our missiles are ready for shooting at any place and any time, quickly and with accuracy.
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. "The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance."
"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 intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's nuclear installations, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.
The tests are part of an escalating bout of sabre-rattling intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's 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 can counter any Iranian threat.
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.But there is no room for complacency, he adds.
HAVE YOUR SAYWhy is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country?Mike, London, UKSend us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAYWhy is it ok for Israel, the US and the UK to have WMDs or nuclear weapons but not for any other country?Mike, London, UKSend us your comments
On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would respond to any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would retaliate 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 world's oil flows, and to target the US and its allies around the world if Iran comes under attack.Other commanders have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large part of the world's 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 Washington's plan to base a missile shield plan in Eastern Europe - which is strongly opposed by Russia.US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the test justified Washington's 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''Joke'
Her point was backed by the Republican US presidential candidate, John McCain. Her point was backed by the Republican US presidential candidate, John McCain. His Democratic rival, Barack Obama, told ABC's Good Morning America Iran was "a great threat".
His Democratic rival, Barack Obama, said: "Iran is a great threat. We have to make sure we are working with our allies to apply tightened pressure on Iran." Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes
Germany also expressed concern at the missile test with government spokesman Thomas Steg saying: "We call on Iran to refrain from any kind of sabre-rattling." The French, German and Italian governments also expressed concern at the missile tests.
But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insisted his country had no intention to attack Israel. But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention to attack Israel.
Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. Speaking on a visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Mr Ahmadinejad said Iran did not fear an attack by the US or Israel over its nuclear activities, dismissing the possibility as a "joke".
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 country's nuclear programme.
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.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 insists its nuclear research is for a civilian energy programme.Iran insists its nuclear research is for a civilian energy programme.