Iran test-fires medium-range Sejil missile

A defiant Iran test-fired an improved version of its Sejil 2 medium-range missile which it says can reach targets inside Israel,prompting a sharp rebuke from Britain.

A defiant Iran on Wednesday test-fired an improved version of its Sejil 2 medium-range missile which it says can reach targets inside Israel,prompting a sharp rebuke from Britain.

“It hit the defined target,” state television reported,without giving further details.

The two-stage Sejil,powered by solid fuel,is capable according to Iran of travelling 2,000 kilometres,which would put arch-foe Israel,most Arab states and parts of Europe,including much of Turkey,within range.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the test of the missile was a matter of “serious concern” and makes the case for “moving further on sanctions.”

Brown is in Copenhagen for the United Nations climate summit,where he discussed the development with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

“I have expressed to him and he has also expressed concern about the test of a long-range missile by Iran,” Brown said,according to his Downing Street office in London.

“This is a matter of serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions.

“We will treat this with the seriousness it deserves.”

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Iranian Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi said today’s test was aimed at bolstering the Islamic republic’s defences and insisted missiles would not be used for offensive purposes.