The weapon is the newest version of an existing surface-to-surface rocket with better launch capabilities and flight time. For President Ahmadinejad, it is a "deterrent" and a "defence weapon" against foreign attacks. Rumours of a pending Israeli attack continue.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Tehran has announced a new version of a short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile, the Fateh-110 or Conqueror. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled the upgraded weapon on Tuesday, just weeks after it was test-fired.

In a speech, the Iranian leader said that his country was seeking to develop its defence capabilities "not in an aggressive context, but as a deterrence" against foreign threats.

Speculation continues to build over Israeli plans to attack Iran, which have been fuelled by Ahmadinejad who has recently described Israel as an insult to all humanity" and a "cancerous tumour" that will soon be finished off.

Speaking at the ceremony to unveil the upgraded Fateh-110, the Iranian president said Iran only sought to "defend itself".

"We do not seek progress in the defence industry for conquest," he added. "We want it to defend ourselves, our territory, our existence." Secondly, "we want it for defending human dignity."

The official IRNA news agency said the upgrade included quicker launching, a longer life and use in poor weather conditions.

The Iranian government has made it clear that if it is attacked either by Israel or the US, it will respond in kind.

In fact, rumours about Israeli action against Iran over its nuclear programme continue, this despite Tehran's insistence that it is designed only for civilian uses and energy production.

Although Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be bent on launching an attack before US elections in November, the plan is hotly opposed inside Israel and in the international community.

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• netanyahu
• missiles
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• islam