Iran tests three new missiles in Persian Gulf

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TEHRAN, November 3 - Iran has test-launched three new models of anti-ship missiles during an exercise in the Persian Gulf, Iranian television reported Friday.

"The range of these missiles covers the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and all the Strait of Hormuz," a senior Revolutionary Guards official said on television.

The anti-ship C-802 Noor, TL-10 Kowsar, and TL-6 Nasr missiles have an approximate range of 120 kilometers (75 miles) to 170 kilometers (106 miles).

Iran has already successfully launched several dozen long-range missiles during large-scale military exercises, codenamed Great Prophet, which are taking place November 2-12 in southern Iran, and involve ground units, the Air Force, Navy and Basij (militia) forces.

Iranian television said the first day of the exercises was notable for the successful launch of Shahab-2 and Shahab-3 long-range ballistic missiles, as well as of Scud-B, Fateh-110 and other missiles. It added that Iranian specialists had designed all of the missiles.

On Wednesday, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps General Yahya Rahim-Safavi said the main aim of the maneuvers was to demonstrate the might of the Iranian people and their determination to defend the country from all threats.

He added the exercises do not pose a threat to neighboring countries, but on the contrary are meant to improve security in the region.

Iran is believed to possess one of the largest ballistic missile forces in the developing world, and is reportedly running an ambitious missile development program. Many countries likewise suspect it of developing nuclear weapons through its uranium enrichment program.

(RIA Novosti)