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TEHRAN – Iran test-fired nine long- and medium-range surface-to-surface missiles, including the upgraded version of the Shahab-3, in the Persian Gulf on Wednesday. This new missile can deliver a 1-ton warhead to a distance of 1,250 miles.
Gen. Hossein Salami, the Air Force commander of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards after the launching of the new missile said, “Our hands are always on the trigger, and our missiles are ready for launch.”
The latest test firing of the missile is considered by military analysts as a warning that Iran can retaliate against Israel and the United States if it is attacked. Israel and Iran have been engaged in an escalating war of words, with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad saying Israel should be wiped off the map and Israel warning that it may have to carry out an airstrike to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal. Further, the USA has warned Iran it will not allow it to interfere with oil shipments in the area. The United States also has bases in the Middle East. According to military analysts the new Iranian has a range capable of striking targets in Israel and US bases in the Middle East.