(Sky News) Iran claims it has test fired a missile with a range of 203 miles, according to a state news agency.
Defence minister Ahmad Vahidi is quoted as saying the test of the fourth-generation Fateh 110 missile was “successful”.
The missile is an upgraded version of a short-range ballistic missile with improved accuracy.
If true, the development means the Islamic Republic’s capability of striking both land and naval targets has increased.
Mr Vahidi told television reporters: “Few countries in the world possess the technology to build such missiles.”
It follows a Pentagon report in June that noted significant advances to Iran’s arsenal.
As well as the Fateh-110, or Conqueror, the state has a variety of long-range missiles that have the potential to reach Israel and southern Europe. Many of them could be fitted with a nuclear warhead.
Both the US and Israel say they fear Iran is developing nuclear weapons – but the Islamic state insists any nuclear development it is carrying out is solely for peaceful purposes.
Israel is about 600 miles away from Iranian borders and the US navy maintains a presence in Bahrain, about 120 miles from the shores of Iran.