Iran tests long-range missile, raises ire of West

Iran today test-fired an upgraded version of its most advanced missile, which is capable of hitting Israel and parts of  Europe, in a new show of strength aimed at preventing any military strike against it amid the nuclear standoff with the West.

The test stoked tensions between Iran and the West, which is pressing Tehran to rein in its nuclear programme. British prime minister Gordon Brown said it showed the need for tougher UN sanctions on Iran.

"This is a matter of serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions. We will treat this with the seriousness it deserves," Brown said after talks with UN chief Ban Ki-Moon in Copenhagen.

Today's test was for the latest version of Iran's longest-range missile, the Sajjil-2, with a range of about 1,200 miles (2,000km). That range places Israel, Iran's sworn enemy, well within reach, as well as US bases in the Gulf region and parts of southeastern Europe.

The two-stage Sajjil-2 and is powered entirely by solid-fuel while the older, long-range Shahab-3 missile uses a combination of solid and liquid fuel in its most advanced form.

Iran has repeatedly warned it will retaliate if Israel or the United States carries out military strikes against its nuclear facilities, at a time when the US and its allies accuse Tehran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.