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| Version 14 | Version 15 |
|---|---|
| Iran sends missile test warning | Iran sends missile test warning |
| (about 8 hours later) | |
| Iran has test-fired nine missiles, including a new version of the Shahab-3, which is capable of reaching its main regional enemy Israel. | 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 Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles), was armed with a conventional warhead, state media said. | |
| 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 early morning launch at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing. | The early morning launch at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing. |
| 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". | 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". |
| 'Under surveillance' | 'Under surveillance' |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| "The enemy must not repeat its mistakes. The enemy targets are under surveillance." | "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 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 can counter 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 comments | 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 comments |
| 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. | 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. |
| 'Joke' | 'Joke' |
| 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". | 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". |
| Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes | Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes |
| The French, German and Italian governments also expressed concern at the missile tests. | The French, German and Italian governments also expressed concern at the missile tests. |
| But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention to attack Israel. | But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention to attack Israel. |
| 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". | 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". |
| 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. |