German newspaper says Iran developing longer-range missiles

Iran is developing longer-range missiles with technology from North Korea and Russia, a newspaper reported today, citing information from Germany’s foreign intelligence service.

According to the report in the Bild daily, Iran has bought materials for 18 missiles from North Korea and is using technology from Russian submarine-launched missiles to extend their range to 2,200 miles.

“Germany and other parts of Europe could be directly affected by the Iranian missile programme in the medium to long-term,” the newspaper quoted from what it said was a new report from Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service.

A spokesman for the spy agency declined to comment today.

In October, Russia dismissed a similar report in a British newspaper as an attempt to discredit its policy on arms sales.

The European Union recently lodged a formal protest to Russia about its sale of Tor-M1 air defence missiles, European and US officials said.

EU countries including Germany are seeking guarantees from Tehran that its disputed nuclear programme is not designed to produce nuclear weapons.