IRAN: Iran fires three missiles in Gulf exercises.

Iran test fired three new improved missiles on Friday bringing the whole Gulf region within the range of the Islamic Republic's weaponry, state radio said. Iran's military manoeuvres come at a time of heightened tension between Iran and Western powers which are trying to get agreement for United Nations sanctions to force Iran to cut back nuclear work they fear could produce an atomic bomb. Iran says its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful. "In the name of the great - prophet, we are launching more sea - to sea missiles," Admiral Ali Fadavi said before launching the missiles. Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired missiles carrying cluster warheads on Thursday at the start of the 10-day military manoeuvres called "The Greatest Prophet". The United States completed naval exercises in the Gulf on Monday to practise blocking the transport of weapons of mass destruction, a likely part of efforts to enforce any sanctions against Iran. "Most definitely our nation, government and all of our officials are determined to obtain this peaceful nuclear technology," said Iranian hardliner clerc Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati at Friday prayers in Tehran. "If they (The West) impose sanctions on us, first of all they (The West) should know that we have been living under their sanctions for years, you may create problems for us, but you will be harmed more than us. Are you really going to benefit from these sanctions?" he added. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander said the new improved missiles brought the whole of the Gulf region, the world's most important oil shipping route, within range of Iranian weaponry.

ITN Source | November 3, 2006

Tags:. .force. .bringing. .source. .radio. .friday