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Iran test-fires advanced missile Iran test-fires advanced missile
(about 3 hours later)
Iran has successfully test fired a improved version of a medium-range missile, state television has said. Iran has successfully test-fired an improved version of a medium-range missile, state television has said.
The Sajjil-2 has a longer range than previously tested missiles which could travel 2,000 km, Iran's Arabic-language television station announced. The Sajjil-2 has a longer range than previously-tested missiles which could travel 2,000km (1,243 miles), Iran's Arabic-language TV station announced.
That would put Israel and US bases in the Gulf within range. That range would put Israel and US bases in the Gulf within range.
Correspondents say it is not the first time this missile has been tested, but it is likely to provoke condemnation from the West as a provocative act.Correspondents say it is not the first time this missile has been tested, but it is likely to provoke condemnation from the West as a provocative act.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the launch could increase the likelihood of further sanctions on Iran.UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the launch could increase the likelihood of further sanctions on Iran.
MAXIMUM MISSILE RANGE Shahab-3b: 2,500kmSajjil-1 and 2: 2,000kmShahab-3a: 1,800kmShahab-3: 1,300kmShahab-2: 500kmZelzal: up to 400kmFateh: 170kmTondar: 150km Sources: GlobalSecurity.org,AFP, Jane's,Arms Control Association Iran's arsenal of missiles Slow but sure missile advance
"This is a matter of serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions," he said."This is a matter of serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions," he said.
Imminent arrest? In September, Iran was heavily criticised after testing its Sajjil and Shahab missiles.
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. Those tests came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of Qom.
The announcement by judiciary chief Sadeq Larijani is seen as an indication opposition leaders may be about to be arrested. Readiness
"We have enough proof about the leaders of this plot against the system," Mr Larijani said. Like the missiles tested in September, the missile launched on Wednesday uses solid fuel in its two-stage rocket.
The re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in June sparked mass protests by supporters of reformist candidates Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi. class="" href="/2/hi/middle_east/4031603.stm">Q&A: Iran's nuclear ambitions
Hundreds of protesters have been arrested and five have been sentenced to death by courts. Solid fuel rockets can be prepared for launch in less time than those using liquid propellant rockets.
BBC defence correspondent Nick Childs says the government's refinements to its rocket programme will increase tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
The West says that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies.
The six nations negotiating with Iran want to prevent the government from enriching uranium to weapons-grade.
Iran has declared it will open 10 more nuclear sites and enrich uranium to a higher degree than it has publicly announced before.
Arrest threat?
The latest test-firing comes on the same day that Iran's judiciary announced it had evidence that 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 that opposition leaders may be about to be arrested.
Hundreds of protesters have been detained 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.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. The missile launch may be an attempt to distract attention from plans to arrest the opposition leaders, correspondents say.
In September Iran was heavily criticised after testing its Sajjil and Shahab missiles.
That test firing came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of Qom.