Iran said today it had successfully tested what it called an upgraded version of its longest-range, solid-fuel missile.
State television broke the news in a one-sentence report that gave no details on the test of the Sajjil-2, a high-speed, surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 1,200 miles (1,900 km).
That range places Israel, well within reach and means the missile is capable of reaching south-eastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models.
Iran has intensified its missile development programme in recent years, a source of serious concern in Israel, and in the US and among its western allies at a time when they accuse Tehran of seeking to build a nuclear weapon.
The BBC is reporting that this test-fire may be an internally-focused distractor to keep attention off of an imminent sweep of arrests.
This latest test comes on the same day that Iran's judiciary announced it had evidence opposition leaders had tried to foment anti-government tension on the streets following disputed elections in June.
The announcement by judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani is seen as an indication opposition leaders may be about to be arrested.
'We have enough proof about the leaders of this plot against the system,' Mr Larijani said.
The re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June sparked mass protests by supporters of reformist candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi.
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested and five have been sentenced to death by courts.
Protests have continued and Iran accuses the reformists of being influenced and aided by the West.
Our correspondent says the missile launch may be an attempt to distract attention from plans to arrest the opposition leaders.
Either way, you can't blame Israel for being nervous when the Iranian launch a missile that can reach them, as their top intel officials are claiming significant Iranian progress towards a nuclear weapon.
Israel’s military intelligence chief says Iran is close to a “technological breakthrough” that would enable it to build nuclear weapons.
Maj Gen Amos Yadlin says Iran has enough nuclear material for a warhead and is close to being able to build one. He doesn’t specify the new technology or say when he expects Iran to reach such a capability.
The assessment, made in a speech Tuesday, matched similar observations Yadlin has given in closed briefings to Israeli leaders. However, he rarely speaks in public, and the comments reflected Israel’s deep concerns about Iran.
Israel and many Western countries believe Iran is racing to develop a nuclear weapons program. Iran says its nuclear program is strictly for energy production.
Iran on Tuesday dismissed as a “scenario” hatched by Western powers a report alleging that it is working on a key component of a nuclear bomb.
“Some countries are angry that our people defend their nuclear rights,” foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters.
Apparently they were unimpressed with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates talking about another round of sanctions.
Speaking to U.S. troops stationed in northern Iraq, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said yesterday that 'I think that you are going to see some significant additional sanctions imposed by the international community, assuming the Iranians don't change course.' The BBC reported that he added that military solutions would remain on the table.
The AP has a good timeline of events from this past year.
Feb. 19 A new IAEA report says Iran has increased is stockpile of low-enriched uranium. Experts say Tehran now has enough material to make a nuclear bomb.
March 20 Ending years of U.S. attempts to isolate Iran, President Barack Obama calls for "engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."
April 5 North Korea launches long-range rocket.
April 8 The United States takes another tentative step toward better ties with Iran by saying it will become a full participant in any nuclear talks.
April 13 U.N. Security Council condemns test launch of North Korean missiles.
April 14 North Korea announces it is withdrawing from disarmament talks and will restore partly disabled nuclear facilities.
April 25 North Korea says it has begun reprocessing spent fuel rods from its nuclear plant. Responding to the North's latest missile launch, the U.N. Security Council committee endorses new sanctions on three major North Korean companies.
May 25 North Korea conducts its second nuclear test.
June 12 The U.N. Security Council adopts a second resolution sanctioning North Korea for its nuclear test.
June 18 Japanese newspaper reports North Korea may fire a long-range missile toward Hawaii in early July. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he has positioned more missile defenses around Hawaii.
June 5 An IAEA report notes further expansion of Iran's enrichment program.
July 2 North Korea test-fires four short-range missiles.
Sept. 25 The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran has revealed the existence of a secret uranium-enrichment plant. Backed by other world powers, Obama condemns Iran's nuclear defiance, saying he would not rule out military action if the Iranians refuse.
Oct. 6 North Korea's leader offers to return to multinational disarmament talks.
Oct. 1 Iran and six world powers meet again after a pause of more than a year and agree on further talks.
Nov. 3 North Korea says at it has completed reprocessing thousands of spent nuclear fuel rods to extract plutonium to bolster its atomic stockpile.
Nov. 18 Obama says his envoy on North Korea will travel to the country next month for the first bilateral talks with the communist regime since he took office.
Nov. 18 Iran says that Tehran will not send its enriched uranium abroad for further processing but would consider swapping it for nuclear fuel within its borders.
Nov. 19 Obama issues a strong warning to Iran of consequences of its failure to respond to the offer of the nuclear swap.
Nov. 27 The IAEA board votes to censure Iran for developing its secret uranium enrichment plant in secret and demands Iran freezes the project.
Nov. 30 Iran approves plans to build 10 industrial scale uranium enrichment facilities, a dramatic expansion of the program.
Dec. 1 Iran's president declares that his country will enrich uranium to a much higher level.
Dec. 10 North Korea says it understands the need to resume stalled international talks on ending its nuclear programs and agrees to work with the U.S. to narrow "remaining differences."
By: Brant
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