Excerpts from previous status reports, by subject
Removed on September 15, 2008
Another round of missile tests
As nuclear diplomacy flounders, Iran is also demonstrating its missile capability. During military exercises in July 2007 organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran reportedly tested a number of missiles, including the Shahab-3. The Shahab-3 is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, and is of little use armed with anything else given the missile’s inaccuracy and the small number Iran is believed to have in its arsenal. The fact that Iran is testing this missile, and seeking to extend its range, offer further evidence of Iran’s nuclear weapon intentions.
According to Iranian state media, the Shahab-3 tested on July 9 has a range of 2,000 km and carried a one ton conventional warhead. Video footage of the test, however, suggested that Iran tested an older version of the Shahab-3 and not the more advanced design it has already displayed and tested. In addition to the liquid-fuel Shahab-3, Iran reportedly tested a number of other missiles during the recent exercises, including two solid-fuel missiles: the Zelzal and the Fateh. Iran also reportedly tested the Hoot (Hout) torpedo.