Iran unveiled a new missile on Wednesday with a reported range that would allow it to reach targets inside Israel as well as US bases in the region.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
State TV reported that the missile has solid fuel and a range of 1,450 kilometers, or 900 miles. It is called the "Kheibarshekan," or Khaibar-buster, a reference to a Jewish castle overrun by Muslim warriors in the early days of Islam.
The report said the missile has high accuracy, is manufactured completely domestically, and can defeat missile shield systems. The information has not been independently verified.
The missile was displayed during a visit by top Iranian military leaders to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards' Corps missile bases, Irnaian news outlet Tasnim said.
"The strategic weapon is a third-generation long-range missile developed by the IRGC that is propelled by solid fuel and is capable of penetrating missile shields with high maneuverability," Tasnim added.
"The modified design of 'Kheibarshekan' has reduced its weight by a third compared to similar missiles," the report continued, while the preparation time needed for its launch has been cut to one-sixth of what is normally required.
Israel's closest point to Iran is some 1,000 kilometers, or 620 miles, away.
Earlier in January, Iran tested an engine for a solid-fuel rocket designed to launch satellites.
The report comes as negotiations continue in Vienna to revive Tehran's tattered nuclear deal with world powers.
Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, criticized the United States' approach to the talks on Wednesday.
"Voices from the US government show there is no coherence in that country to make political decisions in the direction of advancing the Vienna talks," he tweeted.
Iran's military chief, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, was quoted by Tasnim on Wednesday as saying that Iran will continue advancing its ballistic missile program.
"We will continue on the path of growth, development and excellence for our missile power, both in terms of quantity and quality," he said.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
