Iran Confirmed Tests of Missile Capable of Hitting Israel
VOA News
07 Jul 2003, 12:18 UTC
Iran has confirmed it recently conducted a test of a missile capable of reaching Israel.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters today (Monday) in Tehran that the final test of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile took place several weeks ago.
The announcement follows a report Friday in Israel's Ha'aretz newspaper that Tehran had conducted the test two weeks ago, and that it was now capable of hitting Israel and other possible targets in the region, including American interests.
The surface-to-surface ballistic missile is said to have a range of 1,300 kilometers.
The latest development comes two days before a visit to Iran by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mohamed ElBaradei is expected to press for tougher inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
Mr. Asefi said Iran hopes talks with Mr. ElBaradei will lead to mutual trust between Tehran and the Unioted Nations agency.
U.S. officials accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
Some information for this report provided by AP, Reuters and AFP.
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