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| Iran missile test 'provocative' | Iran missile test 'provocative' |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The US and Israel have condemned Iran after it test-fired a series of missiles, including one capable of reaching Israel. | |
| Iran state media said the Shahab-3 had a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles) and was armed with a conventional warhead. | Iran state media said the Shahab-3 had a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles) and was armed with a conventional warhead. |
| 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. | 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. |
| US Under-secretary of State William Burns called the tests "provocative". | |
| Following the the early morning tests at a remote desert site - which sent oil prices climbing - he told a Congressional hearing "the US and international community remain committed to meeting the challenges posed by Iran". | |
| In the Israeli parliament, Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said: "I suggest Israel will not talk, and Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do." | In the Israeli parliament, Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim said: "I suggest Israel will not talk, and Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do." |
| 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 against any military attack by hitting the Israeli city of Tel Aviv. | On Monday, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said it would retaliate against 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 of attacking Israel. | But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention of attacking 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. |