Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Iran test fires 8 missiles from which one has the range to reach Israel and US bases in gulf

Iran has test-fired nine missiles, including a new version of the Shahab-3, which is capable of reaching its main regional enemy Israel.


The Shahab-3, with a range of 2,000km (1,240 miles), was armed with a conventional warhead, state media said.

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.

The early morning launch at a remote desert site sent oil prices climbing.

White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe called on Iran to "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world".