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/7498214.stm
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Iran missile test 'provocative' | Iran missile test 'provocative' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| The US and Israel have condemned Iran after it test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching Israel. | |
| Iran state media said nine missiles were tested in total, including a new Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles). | |
| 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 said the test was "provocative". | |
| He told a Congressional hearing: "We view force as an option that is on the table but a last resort. | |
| Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do Ze'ev BoimIsraeli minister | |
| "We do not believe we have exhausted all the diplomatic possibilities." | |
| Mr Burns also told a Capitol Hill foreign affairs committee that UN sanctions on Iran were having the desired effect - by putting the brakes on its nuclear programme. | |
| He said that although Tehran was trying to foster the perception its nuclear programme was advancing, "real progress has been more modest". | |
| He said Iranian scientists had not yet perfected the technique of enriching uranium. Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy. | |
| 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." |
| The early morning launches at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing. | |
| 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." |
| 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 | |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 'Joke' | 'Joke' |
| 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. | |
| A White House spokesman condemned the Iranian test, as did both the American presidential candidates. | |
| Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes | Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes |
| Describing Iran as a "great threat", the Democratic challenger, Barack Obama, called for tougher sanctions while his Republican rival, John McCain, said the test demonstrated the need for effective missile defence. | |
| 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. |