Iran Conducts Missile Tests
Iran reportedly tested seven missiles today from a location in the Iranian desert reportedly near the Strait of Hormuz. Of the several missiles fired, reports indicate that one was the medium range Shahab-3, capable of reaching targets at a range of up to 2000 km. The other missiles fired include shorter range ballistic missiles such as the Zelzal and the Fateh 110. It is yet unclear whether the tests were successful. Iran is believed to have numerous Zelzal and Fateh missiles, and supplies them to other countries and rogue groups.
In addition to the missiles tested today, Iran is also believed to be developing longer range missiles, titled Shahab-4 and Shahab- 5, with increased range, payload, and accuracy. The rhetoric of missile bombardment most often comes from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Tehran's most elite soldiers with nearly complete control over the Iranian missile forces. The IRGC is commanded by Hossein Salami who released a statement today saying, "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." The IRGC often conducts war games in Iran's western provinces. The majority of war games which include missile tests occur around the mountainous region of Khorramabad.
Iran's tests occur on a regular basis. Yet the timing today seems deliberate, given the U.S. agreement with the Czech Republic yesterday for the stationing of missile defense radars. Gordon D. Johndroe, assistant White House press secretary, quickly responded to the tests today saying, "The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity."
Update: Subsequent reports dispute the number of missiles fired and the classification of those tested this week. This does not, however, alter the fact that the Shahab-3 has been successfully tested on many previous occasions.
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» Missile details: Fateh A-110, Zelzal-1/2/3, Shahab-3
