This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8278026.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Iran tests 'long-range' missile Iran tests 'long-range' missile
(31 minutes later)
Iran has test-fired its long-range Shahab-3 missile, the country's state TV has reported.Iran has test-fired its long-range Shahab-3 missile, the country's state TV has reported.
The launch comes one day after the elite Revolutionary Guards test-fired short and medium range missiles.The launch comes one day after the elite Revolutionary Guards test-fired short and medium range missiles.
The Shahab-3 has a range of up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), potentially putting Israel and American bases in the Gulf within range, analysts say.The Shahab-3 has a range of up to 2,000km (1,240 miles), potentially putting Israel and American bases in the Gulf within range, analysts say.
Iran is shortly due to hold key talks with major powers on its controversial nuclear programme.Iran is shortly due to hold key talks with major powers on its controversial nuclear programme.
Those talks - with the five UN Security Council members plus Germany - were given added urgency last week after Iran disclosed it was building a second uranium enrichment plant, despite UN demands that it cease its enrichment activities.Those talks - with the five UN Security Council members plus Germany - were given added urgency last week after Iran disclosed it was building a second uranium enrichment plant, despite UN demands that it cease its enrichment activities.
"Iran successfully test-fires long-range Shahab 3 missile," Iran's Press TV said in a breaking news headline."Iran successfully test-fires long-range Shahab 3 missile," Iran's Press TV said in a breaking news headline.
The Shahab-3 missile test is part of several days of military war game exercises known as Sacred Defence Week.The Shahab-3 missile test is part of several days of military war game exercises known as Sacred Defence Week.
On Sunday, the medium-range Shahab 1 and 2 missiles with a range of 300 to 700km (186 to 434 miles) were tested.On Sunday, the medium-range Shahab 1 and 2 missiles with a range of 300 to 700km (186 to 434 miles) were tested.
The short-range Tondar-69 and Fateh-110 type, with a range of up to 170km (100 miles), were also tested.The short-range Tondar-69 and Fateh-110 type, with a range of up to 170km (100 miles), were also tested.
But the BBC's Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says that testing of the Shahab-3 missile will be of most concern to the West, because of its range. But the BBC's Tehran correspondent Jon Leyne says that the testing of the Shahab-3 missile will be of most concern to the West, because of its range.
It is believed to be capable of reaching not only Israel and US bases in the Gulf, but also parts of Europe including Turkey.It is believed to be capable of reaching not only Israel and US bases in the Gulf, but also parts of Europe including Turkey.
Although the tests will have been planned in advance, Iran is unlikely to be unhappy if they are seen as a gesture of a defiance by the West, our correspondent adds. Although the tests will have been planned in advance, Iran is unlikely to be unhappy if they are seen as a gesture of defiance by the West, our correspondent adds.
They come four days before Iran meets the so-called P5+1 to discuss a range of issues, including its nuclear programme.They come four days before Iran meets the so-called P5+1 to discuss a range of issues, including its nuclear programme.