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  • 14 years ago
Iran's military muscle on display.
On Monday Iran said that it had successfully test-fired two long-range missiles during a naval exercise in the Gulf.
The show of force comes at the climax of 10 days of Naval exercises in the Gulf. The Islamic republic is trying to show it could hit Israel and U.S. bases in the region if attacked.
9. (SOUNDBITE) (Farsi) IRANIAN NAVY COMMANDER HABIBULAH SAYARI, SAYING:
"We have good missiles, with proper range, and shooting and targeting accuracy. This missile's explosive capability means we are able to announce that our shore-to-sea missile systems are so powerful that we can hit any target, any time, if it's necessary."
The missile test come as the West is increasing pressure on Iran over its nuclear ambitions.
Last week Iran warned that it could shut the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on its oil exports, the country's main revenue source.
Analysts say Iran's increasingly strident rhetoric is aimed at sending a message to the West that it should think twice about the economic cost of putting further pressure on Tehran.
Tehran denies Western accusations that it is trying to build atomic bombs, saying it needs nuclear technology to generate electricity.
The United States and Israel have not ruled out military action against Iran if diplomacy fails to resolve the Islamic state's nuclear row with the West.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
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