Teheran (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards (Pasdaran) have test launched 9 long and medium range missiles which could hit Israel and US military bases in the region.  The missile launched took place in the Iranian desert and was broadcast live by state television this morning.  Among the missiles tested is the Shahab 3, which according to official statements, is capable of hitting targets up to 2 thousand km away.  A second type was tested in the launch, the Great Prophet III, which has a shorter range.

The tests occurred at a time of increased tension between Iran and Israel over Tehran's disputed nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is only for power generation.  Speaking on television,  Hossein Salami, Revolutionary Guards air force commander stated that these “war games” aim to show that “we are ready to defend the integrity of the Iranian nation”.

The international community has for months now been questioning the possibility of an Israeli or American air strike on Iranian nuclear bases. The firing comes a day after an aide to supreme leader Ayatollah  Ali Khamenei warned Iran would "set fire" to Israel and the US navy in the Gulf as its first response to any American attack.

The Arab world – in particular Saudi Arabia – has also expressed its serious concern at Iran’s increased influence in the Middle East.