Iran Tests Short Range Missiles As World Twiddles Thumbs

The West may eventually get around to agreeing on how to inspect the latest Iranian nuclear facility that they revealed at the end of the UN General Assembly meetings this week, but Iran isn't stopping with its nuclear program or its missile technology upgrades.

They test fired more missiles today.

The missile maneuvers coincide with increased tension in Iran's nuclear dispute with the West, after last week's disclosure by Tehran that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant.

State radio said the Guards on Monday would test-fire the Shahab 3 missile, which Iranian officials say has a range of around 2,000 km, potentially putting Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf within reach. It has been tested several times before.

Iran's English-language Press TV said two short-range missiles as well as a multiple missile launcher were tested on the exercise's first day.

It showed footage of a missile launch in desert-like terrain, leaving a vapor trail.

"Iran tests two short-range missiles," it said in a scrolling headline, naming them as the ground-to-ground Fateh (Victorious) missile and the Tondar (Thunder) naval missile.

The Revolutionary Guards said "the drill aims to maintain and boost the country's armed forces deterrent capabilities," Press TV said.

That's clearly putting a thumb in the eye of the West and the US in particular.

The Iranian tests often coincide with statements of bravado and threats against those who might seek to restrict Iran's nuclear technologies. This is little different.