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Iran claims new Israel-range missile tests

  • Story Highlights
  • Iran claims successful test-fire of new generation of surface-to-surface missile
  • Solid fuel makes weapon more accurate, defense minister says
  • Missile capable of reaching arch-foe Israel
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TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran announced Wednesday that it successfully test-fired a "Sajil" missile -- a new generation of surface-to-surface missiles -- according to state-run media reports.

Iran did not say when the missile was test-fired, but said it happened in the presence of Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar.

"The two-stage missile uses combined solid fuel and has a high-launching speed," Najjar said, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

He said it had a range of about 1,200 miles, which could easily reach arch-foe Israel and even travel as far as southeastern Europe, The Associated Press reported.

The United States restated its objection to such tests, saying they violated Iran's obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Iran's state-run television network showed video of the apparent test launch.

Najjar said the test showed Iran's capability to defend its territory, according to IRNA. Video Watch more on the missile test »

Najjar emphasized the test launch had been planned since last year and had nothing to do with recent international and regional developments, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.

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U.S. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the test launch was "completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world."

"The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity," Johndroe said Wednesday morning.

"Iran should also refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world. The Iranian regime should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately."

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The reported test launch comes amid back and forth talks between Iran and Western powers on Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

U.S. officials have cast doubt on the success of past missile test launches by Iran, including a rocket launch in August and a series of missile tests the previous month.

CNN's Shirzad Bozorgmehr in Tehran contributed to this report.

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