Britain Accuses Iran of Secretly Testing Nuclear-Capable Missiles

Posted June 29th, 2011 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
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British Foreign Secretary William Hague says Iran has conducted secret tests of ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in violation of a U.N. resolution.

In comments to the British parliament on Wednesday, Hague said secret Iranian tests of nuclear-capable missiles contravene U.N. Security Council Resolution 1929. He also accused Iran of engaging in covert experiments with rocket launchers.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast denied the British allegations, telling the Reuters news agency that none of the missiles tested by Iran has a nuclear capability.

Iran on Monday began a 10-day missile training exercise that state media say is aimed at preserving the country's “readiness against enemy strikes.”

Iranian Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh said the exercise includes the testing of short, medium and long-range missiles with a maximum range of 2,000 kilometers — far enough to reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Iran fired 14 missiles on Tuesday, the second day of the drill.

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of trying to develop the capacity to build nuclear warheads for its missiles. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful and its missiles are meant for self-defense.