Iran Confirms Tests of Missile Said Capable of Hitting Israel
VOA News
07 Jul 2003, 15:35 UTC
Iran has confirmed that it recently conducted a final test of a mid-range surface-to-surface missile that analysts say is capable of reaching Israel.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman told reporters Monday in Tehran that the final test of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile took place several weeks ago. The missile has a range of 1,300 kilometers.
An Israeli newspaper first reported the test last week.
Monday's test-firing announcement 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.
Iranian officials say they hope talks with Mr. ElBaradei will lead to mutual trust between Tehran and the United 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 and Reuters.
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