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IRAN-WEAPONRY-MISSILE LEAD
Iran confirms recent missile test amid Western criticism
TEHRAN, Dec 11, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Iran confirmed on Tuesday that it had
carried out a recent test of a medium-range ballistic missile after Western
powers sharply criticised a December 1 launch.
“We are continuing our missile tests and this recent one was a significant
test,” the Fars news agency reported, citing Revolutionary Guards aerospace
commander Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh.
“The US reaction showed that it was a big thing for them and that it upset
them,” the conservative news agency said, adding that Iran carried out
between 40 and 50 missile tests a year.
Iran has pressed on with its ballistic missile programme after reining in
much of its nuclear programme under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers.
A UN Security Council resolution adopted after the agreement calls on Iran
to refrain from testing missiles capable of carrying a nuclear weapon, but
does not specifically bar Tehran from missile launches.
The UN Security Council convened at the request of Britain and France on
December 4 to discuss the latest test which both governments described as
“provocative” and “inconsistent” with Resolution 2231.
Britain said that the types of missiles fired had capabilities that “go
way beyond legitimate defensive needs”.
Iran has developed several types of ballistic missiles with a range of up
to 3,000 kilometres (1,875 miles) — sufficient to reach Israel and Western
bases across the region.
In its report, Fars did not specify the date of the latest test or say
which types of missile were fired.
Washington, which quit the nuclear deal in May, described the test as an
outright “violation” of Resolution 2231 and called on the Security Council to
condemn it.
But veto-wielding Moscow has defended Tehran’s right to carry out the
missile tests, and the December 4 meeting ended with no joint statement or
any plan for follow-up action.
The council is due to meet again on December 19 for a regular review of
the resolution’s implementation.
Iran has received regular certifications of compliance with the provisions
of the nuclear deal from the UN atomic watchdog.
Western criticism has focused instead on Tehran’s missile programme and
its military interventions in the region.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1552 hrs