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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. The US and Israel have condemned Iran after it test-fired a long range missile capable of reaching Tel Aviv.
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 state media said nine missiles had been fired 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. Tehran 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". A senior US state department official said the launch was "provocative".
He told a Congressional hearing: "We view force as an option that is on the table but a last resort. Wednesday's early morning test at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.
Israel should prepare itself to do what is needed to do Ze'ev BoimIsraeli ministerIsrael 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." 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."
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. Western leaders have been attempting to convince Tehran to stop enriching uranium, which it has continued doing despite sanctions from the UN and the European Union, insisting its nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy.
He said that although Tehran was trying to foster the perception its nuclear programme was advancing, "real progress has been more modest". US Under-secretary of State William Burns said that thanks to UN sanctions, Iran's real progress on its nuclear programme had been "modest", despite its sabre-rattling.
He said Iranian scientists had not yet perfected the technique of enriching uranium. Iran insists its nuclear programme is purely for civilian energy. "We view force as an option that is on the table but a last resort," he told a Congressional hearing on Wednesday.
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 launches were intended to deter any Israeli or US strike against Tehran's nuclear installations, says BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus.
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.
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."
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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. class="lp" href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/default.stm">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, UK class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=5078&edition=2&ttl=20080709122929">Send 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. 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."
'Joke' The White House and both American presidential candidates also condemned the Iranian test.
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
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.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 expressed concern at the missile tests.
But Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention of attacking Israel. Iran insists that its 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". 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.
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. 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.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted his country had no intention of attacking Israel.
Speaking on a visit to Malaysia on Tuesday, Mr Ahmadinejad dismissed the possibility of an attack by the US or Israel as a "joke".