Iran Confirms Final Test of Shahab Medium-Range Missile

Iran has confirmed that it recently conducted a test of a medium-range missile that analysts say is capable of reaching Israel. Today in Tehran, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters that the final test of the Shahab-3 missile was conducted several weeks ago. This ballistic missile has a range of approximately 1,300 kilometers. The test was first reported last week by an Israeli newspaper. The announcement of the Shahab-3 missile test by the spokesperson came two days before the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is scheduled to visit Iran. Mohamed ElBaradei is expected to call for more thorough inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities. Iranian government officials say they hope that negotiations with Mr. ElBaradei will lead to mutual trust between Tehran and the IAEA, which is affiliated with the United Nations. Richard Boucher, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reacted to this news by stating that Washington has long had serious concerns about Iran's missile programs and views Iran's efforts to enhance its missile capabilities as a threat to the region and U.S. interests there. U.S. officials accuse Iran of attempting to produce nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists that its nuclear programs are for peaceful purposes.