Iran Conducts Nine Missile Tests

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard has conducted a missile test exercise, in which nine missiles of three different types were launched simultaneously. The exercise, known as Great Prophet III was conducted early this morning from an undisclosed location near to the Strait of Hormuz. One of the missiles launched was an upgraded version of the Shahab-3, capable of reaching Israel. Eight shorter range Zelzal and Fateh missiles were also launched.

The test is believed to have been a reaction to Israeli and American military exercises, which the Iranian government believed to be training for an attack on facilities related to the Iranian nuclear development program. In addition to these tests, Iran’s first indigenous satellite launch attempt, which will place the Omid spacecraft into low Earth orbit, is expected immanently. A successful satellite launch would demonstrate that Iran’s missiles have global reach.

The tests have been widely criticized by the international community. The British government stated that it “underlines the need for Iran to comply with its international obligations on the nuclear issue”, and that the test was “unwelcome”. The French ministry of defense suggested that “these missile tests can only reinforce the concerns of the international community”, and the German government described the exercise as “regrettable”. Israeli housing minister Ze’ev Boim told the Israeli parliament that Israel should “prepare itself to do what is needed to do”, implying the need for a military resolution.

The United States government claims that the test was “evidence that the missile threat is not an imaginary one”. American presidential candidate John McCain suggested that it justified US proposals to construct a missile defense system in Eastern Europe, whilst his opponent Barack Obama described Iran’s missile program as a “great threat”. Russia, however called for diplomacy, stating that they believe Iran to be “ready for negotiations”, and Israel’s Prime Minister issued a statement saying that he had “no desire for conflict or hostilities with Iran”.

By Wiki News

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