Iran test-fired more long-range missiles overnight in a second round of exercises meant to show that the country can defend itself against any attack by the US or Israel, Iranian state television reported yesterday.
The weapons have “special capabilities” and included missiles launched from naval ships in the Persian Gulf, along with torpedoes and surface-to-surface missiles, the broadcast said. It did not elaborate.
A brief video clip showed two missiles being fired simultaneously in the darkness.
PHOTO: EPA
The report came hours after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran that Washington will not back down in the face of threats against Israel.
“We are sending a message to Iran that we will defend American interests and the interests of our allies,” Rice said yesterday after meeting Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili at the close of a three-day Eastern European trip.
Washington has said after Iran test-fired nine missiles on Wednesday that Tehran should halt further tests if it wanted to gain the world’s trust.
Iran has threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for Gulf oil exports, if it is attacked. Yesterday’s exercises involved divers and speedboats, as well as the launch of a high-speed torpedo called Hout, state media said.
China urged restraint in the row over Iran’s nuclear program but avoided direct condemnation of Tehran for test-firing the missiles. Wednesday’s missile maneuvers had drawn criticism from the US and European countries.
“We express our concern about these developments,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao (劉建超) told a news conference in Beijing when asked about the Iranian missile tests.
Liu welcomed the prospect of fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear program.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, representing the six powers, is expected to meet Iranian officials to discuss Iran’s response to the package. Solana’s spokeswoman said on Wednesday no place or date had been set.
The Iranian state channel, Press TV, quoted a senior Republican Guard commander yesterday as saying Iran would maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf.
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