Iran Sunday confirmed the successful flight test of a Shahab-3 ballistic missile, according to the Associated Press (see GSN, May 24).

“To enhance the power and accuracy of Shahab-3 missile ... we will continue our missile program, and the recent successful tests were carried out in the same context,” Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said, according to Tehran Radio.

The successful test should not be seen as a sign of a start to production or as an attempt to increase the missile’s 800-mile range, Shamkhani said.  Iran also has no plans to develop a Shahab-4 or Shahab-5, which would have increased ranges, he added (see GSN, May 8).

U.S. efforts to persuade Russia and China to stop cooperation with Iran have had no effect on Iran’s missile program, Shamkhani said (see GSN, May 24).

“Iran's defense industries can produce any conventional weapons the political authorities may want since we are 100 percent self-sufficient in possessing the technology,” he said. “Therefore, America’s pressure on various countries including Russia and China not to cooperate with Iran's missile program will have no effect” (Associated Press/New York Times, May 26).

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