Iran develops new long-range missile

Iran develops new long-range missile

27/ 11/ 2007

TEHRAN, November 27 (RIA Novosti) - Iran has produced a missile with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles), the country's defense minister announced on Tuesday.

State media quoted Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar as saying that the Ashoura missile has been produced at a factory related to the ministry.

The range of the missile would allow it to reach Israel, as well as United States military bases in the Middle East.

Najjar did not give details on the missile's characteristics, or say whether the weapon had been tested.

The minister stressed Iran's military doctrine is based on the principles of defense and deterrence, but said that the country will not hesitate to attack aggressors.

Long-range missiles, including Shahab missiles with a range of between 1,500 and 2,000 km, have already been placed on combat duty in the Iranian Armed Forces.

Najjar also said a new submarine, a destroyer and a missile escort ship will be introduced in the near future, to improve the country's positions in the Gulf.