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/8415489.stm

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Iran test-fires advanced missile Iran test-fires advanced missile
(39 minutes later)
Iran has successfully test-fired an 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 2,000km (1,243 miles), Iran's Arabic-language TV 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 range 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 the timing is likely to add to current tension over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the launch could increase the likelihood of further sanctions on Iran. The West says that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons, a charge Iran denies.
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the missile 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 advanceMAXIMUM 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.
The French Foreign Ministry said the launch was "very worrying".
"A test of this kind can only strengthen the international community's worries at a time that Iran is also developing a nuclear programme with no identifiable civil objective in violation of five United Nations Security Council resolutions," spokesman Bernard Valero said.
In September, Iran was heavily criticised after testing its Sajjil and Shahab missiles.In September, Iran was heavily criticised after testing its Sajjil and Shahab missiles.
Those tests came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of Qom.Those tests came just weeks after Iran revealed the existence of a previously secret nuclear facility in the mountains near the city of Qom.
ReadinessReadiness
Like the missiles tested in September, the missile launched on Wednesday uses solid fuel in its two-stage rocket.Like the missiles tested in September, the missile launched on Wednesday uses solid fuel in its two-stage rocket.
Q&A: Iran's nuclear ambitionsQ&A: Iran's nuclear ambitions
Solid fuel rockets can be prepared for launch in less time than those using liquid propellant rockets.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.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 on that issue want to prevent the government from enriching uranium to weapons-grade.
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.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?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 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.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.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.
The missile launch may be an attempt to distract attention from plans to arrest the opposition leaders, correspondents say.The missile launch may be an attempt to distract attention from plans to arrest the opposition leaders, correspondents say.