Iran tests upgraded long-range missile

Iran said today it had successfully tested what it called an upgraded version of its longest-range, solid-fuel missile.

State television broke the news in a one-sentence report that gave no details on the test of the Sajjil-2 missile, a high-speed, surface-to-surface missile with a range of about 1,200 miles.

That range places Israel, Iran’s sworn enemy, well within reach and reaches as far away as south-eastern Europe with greater precision than earlier models.

Iran has intensified its missile development program in recent years, a source of serious concern in Israel, the US and its Western allies at a time when they accuse Tehran of seeking to build a nuclear weapon.

Iran, which is under several sets of UN sanctions over its nuclear program, denies he charge.

It says its nuclear program is aimed solely at generating electricity.