This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

February 2003
Jane's Defence Weekly reports that the Fateh A-110, with an approximate range of 200 km, has recently been displayed on Iranian TV.
—Jane's Defence Weekly, in "US could target Iran after Iraq, NKorea," Australian Financial Review, 6 February 2003.

10 February
Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani states that Iran has for the first time the capacity to produce composite solid fuels for missiles. Some Iran's scientists admitted that Iran's missile inventory is outdated by U.S. standards.
—Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson, "Iran seeks to calm fears that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons," Knight Ridder, 11 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

March 2003
African Amines, a subsidiary of the South African oil from Coal Company (SASOL) exports 120 metric tons of dimethylamine to Iran. Dimethylamine can be used as a precursor for the nerve agent tabun (GA) or missile fuel. Dimethylamine also possesses a wide range of legitimate commercial uses including the production of detergents and pharmaceuticals. The shipment is of particular concern as the receiving company is Sasadja Moavenate Bazargani, which has been placed on WMD end-user watch lists by the German and Japanese governments and is suspected of involvement in Iranian missile programs.
--"How SASOL Firm Sold WMD Chemicals to Iran," Mail and Guardian Online, 18 February 2005, <http://www.mg.co.za>; "RAS: Oil From Coal Company Affiliate Reportedly Exported WMD Chemicals to Iran," FBIS document AFP 200502180000095, 18 February 2005.

Early March
Prominent Iranian reformist Sa'id Hajjarian states that Iran might be better off in securing a role in the future of Iraq by showing restraint and not interfering in the affair. He states that America would be willing, albeit reluctantly, to turn a blind eye to Iran's missile and nuclear program "infringements" if Iran has the capacity to build nuclear weapons, sighting the case of Pakistan and India.
—"Iranian media reactions to the Iraqi crisis," BBC, 5 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

7 April 2003
In a commentary about the market losses for Russian air defense systems, it is mentioned that Iran, Syria, and various other countries had shown interest in purchasing the Russian Tors rocket system, which has a range of 12km.
—Aleksey Khazbiyev, "Open Sky, The situation in the 'hottest' segment of the military equipment market has deteriorated since the moment of the creation of the PVO," Ekspert, 7 April 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030407000340.

22 May 2003
The U.S. State Department announces that on 9 May 2003, sanctions were placed on two major arms companies from Iran and China for working to modernize and expand Tehran's missile arsenal. The North China Industries Corporation, or NORINCO, and the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group will barred from selling goods and services to the United States, as well as a complete ban on all U.S. support and aid to those countries till the measures expire two years from now. The Bush administration is warning it will take action in response to the alleged tolerance by Beijing of missile proliferation by a Chinese company.
—George Gedda, "US penalizes Chinese, Iranian business for proliferation activities," Associated Press, 22 May 2003; "US slaps sanctions on Chinese, Iranian companies," Agence France Presse, 23 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; George Gedda, "US condemns China on arms proliferation," Associated Press, 23 May 2003; "US imposes sanctions on China's NORINCO for aiding Iran's missile program," AFX European Focus, 23 May 2003; "US punishes firms in Iran and China," BBC, 23 May 2003; "US hits major Chinese, Iranian companies with sanctions," World Tribune.com, 24 May 2003, <http://www.worldtribune.com>.

Late May 2003
China rejects and condemns U.S. accusations that NORINCO sent Iran unspecified technologies and materials to help Iran develop its long-range missile program. Beijing is not party to any global treaties on sales of missile and related technologies but agreed to abide by its restrictions.
—Joe McDonald, "China rejects US accusation about company," Associated Press, 23 May 2003; Guy Dinmore, John Dizard, James Kynge, "China hits out at 'unreasonable' US sanctions over Iran missile claims," Financial Times, 24 May 2003; "China slams US sanctions on conglomerate accused of helping Iran's missile program," Associated Press, 27 May 2003; "China denies company assisted Iranian missile program," Al-Bawaba, 28 May 2003, provided by Comtex News.

27 May 2003
Israeli Defense Minister Mufaz warns that Iran is developing the Shahab-4 and -5, which could threaten the United States with ranges of thousands of kilometers. Mufaz also adds that in a few years Iran will have acquired non-conventional long-range missiles as well.
—Itay Asher, Ma'ariv, 27 May 2003, in FBIS Document GMP20030527000139.

30 May 2003
Moldova's government denies the involvement of the Moldavian Cuanta joint stock company in any Iranian ballistic missile programs and claims U.S. sanctions against the group are a misunderstanding. As for Computer & Communications, another Moldavian company the U.S. sanctioned, the government had no reply, as it is a private company that the government had not been monitoring.
—"Moldova denies company involved in Iran missile program," Agentstvo Voyennykh Novostey, 30 May 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030530000188.

5 June 2003
Various new agencies report that the Chinese arms manufacturer NORINCO has demanded that U.S. sanctions imposed last month for reported missile technology transfers to Iran be removed and have threatened legal actions for losses suffered as a result of the curbs. [Note: See Late May 2003 entry.]
—"Chinese arms maker wants US to scrap sanctions, threatens legal action," Agence France Presse, 5 June 2003; Joe McDonald, "Chinese company denies missile aid to Iran; seeks end to US penalties," Associated Press, 5 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 June 2003
Japanese police arrest five employees of the Tokyo-based manufacturer, Seishin Enterprise Co., including the president, on various charges of illegally exporting equipment to Iran that could be used in the production of missiles. The company allegedly sold two industrial grinders to Iran in 1999 and 2000 without an export license. The grinders, restricted under the Missile Technology Control Regime, can be used in making solid fuel for rockets. The same company came under investigation in 1994 for illegally exporting grinders to North Korea, but escaped prosecution because the five-year statute of limitations on the case had lapsed.
—"Japan arrests 5 for Iran equipment sell," Associated Press, 12 June 2003; Doug Struck, "Japan arrests five in Iran missile case," Washington Post, 12 June 2003; Shane Green, "Five arrested over Iran 'missile' sales," The Age, 14 June 2003.

16 June 2003
Jane's reports that U.S. surveillance has spotted an Iranian Il-76 cargo aircraft leaving Susan airport in North Korea six times since April, carrying containers that are believed to have held disabled Nodong missiles.
—Ed Blanche, "Shehab-3 ready for service, says Iran," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 1 August 2003; "N. Korea exports missiles to Iran by air," JoonAng Ilbo, 16 June 2003, <http://www.drudgereport.com/>.

17 June 2003
The Financial Times reports that according to Russian experts, Iran could mount a nuclear warhead to one of its Shahab-3 missiles and threaten up to 20 million Russians, not to mention parts of Kazakhstan and the Ukraine.
—Andrew Jack, "Iranian missiles 'could threaten 20m Russians'," Financial Times, 17 June 2003, <http://nuclearno.com>.

July 2003
The U.S. Department of State imposes sanctions against the North Korean Ch'anggwang Shinyoung Corporation for violating the Iran Nonproliferation Act. The Ch'anggwang Shinyoung Corporation was sanctioned in 2001 on charges of transferring missile technologies to Iran.
—Kwak Sung-chi, "ROK report introduces DPRK company the exported missiles to Yemen," Yonhap, 27 July 2003, in FBIS Document KPP20030727000050.

7 July 2003
U.S. officials conclude that China and North Korea have coordinated their efforts to advance Iran's missile and weapons of mass destruction programs. Sources claim that China is producing components and selling them to North Korea, which then transfers the materials to Iran do that Chinese corporations can avoid detection from the West. In other cases, North Korea markets missile systems through China and Pakistan to also avoid detection from the United States.
—"US Intel links China-N Korea to Iranian missiles," Rense.com, 7 July 2003.

Late June/Early July 2003
Iran successfully tests the Shahab-3 missile with a range of 1,300km sometime during the first week in July according to the Haaretz Daily and other news sources. This final test was the most successful of the seven to eight previous launches and makes Iran not only a threat to the stability of Israel, but also provides a danger to "the stability of the world," states Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. Based on the North Korean Nodong, it is uncertain how effective the Shahab-3 would be at delivering a chemical, biological, or nuclear payload, but the development of the missile while pursing what many experts believe is a nuclear weapons program raises serious concerns.
—"Iran's missile can reach Israel, newspaper says," Haaretz Daily, 5 July 2003; Siavosh Ghazi, "Iran brings Israel within missile range, digs in on tougher UN nuclear probe," Agence France Presse, 7 July 2003; Ali Akbar Dareini, "Iran tests missile capable of Israeli hit," Associated Press, 7 July 2003; Ed Blanche, "Shahab 3 ready for service, Iran says," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 1 August 2003.

7 July 2003
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign confirms to various news agencies that Iran has successfully tested the Shahab-3 ballistic missile. [Note: See Late June/Early July 2003 entry.]
—Jacques Pinto, "Israel 'very concerned' about Iranian ballistic missile test," Agence France Presse, 7 July 2003; Nazila Fathi, "Iran confirms test of missile that is able to hit Israel," New York Times, 8 July 2003; "Iran puts on muscle," Straits Times, 11 July 2003.

8 July 2003
Aryeh Herzog, the head of Israel's missile defense program, states that Israel's Arrow-II missile defense system can protect Israel from Iran's recently tested Shahab-3 missile, Israel Radio reports. Experts suggest that the 16-meter single-stage missile is not very accurate and has a circular-error-probability of 3km.
—"Israel can deal with Iran's missile threat: defense official," Xinhua News, 8 July 2003.

9 July 2003
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hatsuhisa Takashima expresses Japan's great concerns about Iran's test-firing of a long-range surface-to-surface missile, which Japan feels will negatively affect regional security.
—"Japan concerned about Iran's missile test-firing: Takashima," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 July 2003.

9 July 2003
The United States criticizes Iran's final long-range missile test as a threat to U.S. interests in the region. The missile tests and Iran's suspected nuclear weapon's program are considered by many experts to be precursors to an upcoming showdown between the United States and Iran.
—Peter Hartcher, "Iran's missile test fires up Washington," Australian Financial Review, 9 July 2003.

9 July 2003
Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani defends the testing of the Shahab-3 amongst concerns from the United States and its allies, stating that that the army needed to be assured that the device was functional. He was further quoted as saying, "If the Americans are angry after the Shahab-3, they can die angry."
—"Iran's defense minister defends test of missile capable of hitting Israel," Agence France Presse, 9 July 2003.

9 July 2003
An Iranian newspaper defends Tehran's stance with the testing of the new Shahab-3, stating that the missile does not violate any international laws or conventions unless it is armed with a nuclear warhead, at which point in time it would become a strategic weapon that would fall under particular laws. The article further states that Washington is showing an increasing lack of tolerance towards Iran's ordinary activities and increasing the scope of its aggression and injustices towards the Islamic Republic.
—Sobhan Mohaqqeq, "Countering Bush's War Cabinet," Keyhan website, 9 July 2003, in BBC document, "Iran: Paper says Tehran should stand firm against US Criticism on missile tests," 10 July 2003.

11 July 2003
In a television interview, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon states that the entire Middle East military balance will be upset should Iran arm its recently tested Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missiles with nuclear or chemical warheads. Ayalon also states that while Iran has yet to perfect their system, they continue to work on the Shahab-4 and -5 missiles, which will ultimately reach all of Europe and eventually the United States. Israeli officials are also working with Russian and Chinese officials to curb companies from assisting Iran both with their missile and nuclear programs.
—Interview with John McLaughlin and Daniel Ayalon, "Iran's missile program and the Middle East," 'One on One,' Federal News Services, 11 July 2003.

Mid-July 2003
Iran claims to be preparing the recently tested Shahab-3 for deployment. The announcement comes as IAEA head Mohamed ElBaradei prepares to leave for Tehran to persuade to accept more intrusive inspections of its nuclear facilities in order to convince the UN and the rest of the world that Iran is not pursing a nuclear weapons program.
—Julian Borger, "Iran missiles could reach Israel," Manchester Guardian Weekly, 16 July 2003.

20 July 2003
Iran's supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei inaugurates the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, hailing the even as a key moment in the defense of the Palestinian cause, as the missile brings Israel into Iran's missile range. Television images showed Khamenei and officers with what appeared to be three Shahab-3 missiles on mobile launchers. Yahya Rahim-Safavi, head of the Revolutionary Guard, states during the ceremony that his force was now "ready to defend Iran against any threat." The Ayatollah also states that the new missile will enable other countries such as Lebanon and Palestine to respond to "challenges," which many experts suspect means that Iran is willing to export the missile to nations in the region.
—Stefan Smith, "Iran's supreme leader inaugurate new missile capable of hitting Israel," Agence France Presse, 20 July 2002; "Iran inaugurates missile capable of reaching Israel," Associated Press, 20 July 2003, "Iran puts new ballistic missile into service," Xinhua News Agency, 20 July 2003, Nikolay Ulyanov, "Shahab-3 Product of 'Flow of Technologies' and regional arms race," Strana.ru, 21 July 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030723000157.

21 July 2003
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi denies that Iran's new ballistic missile, the Shahab-3, is a threat to the region. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman David Saranga and Russian Major-General Viktor Ryabchuk not only counter the accusation, stating the Shahab-3 not only destabilizes the region, but can reach Israel and parts of southern Russia, as well as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, where U.S. troops are stationed. Israeli officials also state that Israel's Arrow missile defense system, using Arrow-2 interceptors in conjuncture with the Green Pine radar targeting system, is adequate to counter any threat by Iran. Israeli officials are extremely concerned about Iran's integration of the new missile with the nuclear capability that Israel chares it is developing.
—"Iran denies new missile is regional threat," Agence France Presse, 21 July 2003; Anatoly Yurkin, "Iranian missile-potential threat to Mid-East countries-expert," ITAR-TASS, 21 July 2003; "Israel well defended from Iranian missile threat: defense minister," Xinhua General News, 21 July 2003; "Iran missile 'can reach US bases'," The Sun, 21 July 2003; "Revolutionary Guards get new missiles," Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2003, "Iran's missiles," The Gulf Today, 21 July 2003, in FBIS Document GMP20030721000236.

21 July 2003
Israeli officials urge the United States and Europe to pressure Iran to stop its alleged nuclear weapons programs shortly after Tehran inaugurated a new missile capable of hitting Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Senior Israeli officials state that the missile itself is not a threat, but it is the trend of developments between the missile program and Iran's purported nuclear weapons program.
—Joseph Coleman, "Israeli officials call for Europe, US to pressure Iran on weapons programs," Associated Press, 21 July 2003.

21 July 2003
Russian Major-General Viktor Ryabchuk states that the newly inaugurated Iranian Shahab-3 can reach parts of southern Russia as well as Israel and much of the rest of the Middle East. Ryabchuk feels that the acceleration of the completion and the inauguration was due to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The Russian Space Troops detected the final test of the Shahab-3 missile in July. Russian experts also note that Iran is continuing developments on the liquid-fueled Shahab-4 with a range of 2,000km.
—"Russian General assesses threat of Iranian Shehab-3 missile," ITAR-TASS, CEP20030721000111.

21 July 2003
Russian reporters report that U.S.-Russian relations might face increased tensions over Iran's recent inauguration of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile, capable of hitting Israel as well as U.S. bases in the region. While much of the missile came from North Korea, U.S. officials believe Russia assisted Iran in the development of the missile throughout the Clinton administration.
—Nikolay Ulyanov, "Shahab-3 Product of 'Flow of Technologies' and regional arms race," Strana.ru, 21 July 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030723000157.

25 July 2003
Anton Khlopkov, deputy director of the Russian Center for Political Research, states the Iran might be able to produce up to 20 Shahab-3 ballistic missiles for military service by 2005. Khlopkov also adds that Iran is attempting to increase the Shahab-3's range.
—"Russian Expert: Iran may field up to 20 Shehab-3 missiles by 2005," ITAR-TASS, 21 July 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030721000117.

25 July 2003
A Lebanese commentary states that Iran's new missile has served as a warning to the United States and Israel that the new Shahab-3 missile and its capabilities are in the hands of an Islamic-based religious army, and that Israel must consider Iran before crossing over and boarders or making any concerns or claims to the recently liberated Iraq.
—Husayn Rahhal, "Al-Aqsa is a symbol of the struggle," Beriut Al-Intiqad, 25 July 2003, in FBIS Document GMP20030726000113.

Early August 2003
Brigadier-General Pardis, commander of the Iranian Air Force, states the defense and missile capability of Iran is a deterrent lever that will bestow peace and security to the nations of the region. Padris referred to Israel's statements about the recent Shahab-3 test as Zionist propaganda in light of Israel's treatment to the Palestinians the Iran hopes to soon protect.
—"Iranian Air Force Commander says missile capability acts as deterrent," Tehran Mehr News Agency, 2 August 2003, in FBIS Document IAP20030802000003.

2 August 2003
Dr. Fatimah Sayyid Ahmad gives his perspective as to what Egypt feels is motivating Iran to pursue its most recent missile accusations. According to Ahmad, Egypt sees Iran's announcement of the success of the missile as a signal that Iran should be consulted and kept abreast to developments in the region. As well, Iran should have a serious role to play in issues due to the size of its conventional forces and the fact the it is capable of posing a threat to its neighbors and Israel. One strategic studies center associated with the Pentagon feels that Iran will probably continue with its Shahab program till it completes the Shahab-6. U.S. reports indicate the recent launch was a new version of the Scud-C and the North Korean Nodong.
—Fatimah Sayyid Ahmad, "Iran's development, testing of Shahab-3 missile viewed," Cairo Rose al-Yusuf, 2 August 2003, in FBIS Document GMP20030804000248.

5 August 2003
The Sankei Shimbun reports that North Korea is contemplating a plan to export the Taepodong-2 long-range ballistic missile and to jointly develop nuclear warheads. Both countries have been supposedly discussing the plan for about a year and are expected to reach an agreement in mid-October. Under the plan, North Korea will export knock-down components and parts of the missile that will then be assembled in Iran. North Korea will also send experts to Iran to give technological and "promote joint development of nuclear warheads."
—"N. Korea plans to export Taepodong-2 missiles to Iran: report," Kyodo News Service, 5 August 2003; "NKorea plans missile exports to Iran, joint nuclear development: report" Agence France Presse, 6 August 2003; "The Tehran-Pyongyan axis," Washington Times, 8 August 2003; Vasily Bubnov, "Iran and North Korea to Unite," Pravda, 7 August 2003, <http://www.pravda.ru>.

8 August 2003
A press release from the Iranian embassy states that media reports alleging that Iran and North Korea have worked out a plan to supply Iran with North Korean Taepodong-2 missile parts are untrue. [Note: See 5 August 2003 entry.]
—"Iranian Embassy in Moscow denies reports of missile deal with North Korea," Moscow Agentstvo Voyennykh Novostey, 8 August 2003, in FBIS Document CEP20030808000033.

13 August 2003
The head of the Press Department in Iran's UN mission, Morteza Ramandi, brands the Washington Times article, "The Tehran-Pyongyang axis' as "phony and baseless," stating that Iran was neither willing to produce nuclear warheads, nor planning to import spare parts for any missiles from North Korea.
—"Iran's UN mission says Washington Times accusations 'phony'," BBC, 13 August 2003.

29 August 2003
The Jerusalem Post reports that policymakers in both Israel and the United States are not as concerned with the thought of Iran launching its newly inaugurated Shahab-3 missiles with nuclear warheads at Tel Aviv, but more concerned with the Islamic Regime becoming intoxicated with a new sense of power, a careless accidental launch, or theft of the weapons by terrorists. Arieh Stav, director of the Ariel Center for Policy Research, states that a greater concern is the inaccuracy of the missile, stating its circular error probable is approximately 5km, proving to be much less accurate than the Egyptian or Syrian Scud-B and -C missiles currently pointed at Israel.
—Erik Schechter, "Up in arms," Jerusalem Post, 29 August 2003.

31 August 2003
Israeli officials, sighting classified Western intelligence sources as well as collaboration with European intelligence agents and Iranian officials, indicate that Iran is attempting to increase the range of the Shahab-3 missile to 2,500km, which would bring all of Eastern Europe into its range. Sources say intelligence officials have been confused by Iranian reports of an improved Shahab-3 missile, making it unclear if the missile was experimental of if it is what is known as the Shahab-4. This upgraded missile appears to have been built with Russian aid, and according to western claims, is very similar to the Russian SS-4 missile.
—"Iran extending range of Shahab-3 missile to include Europe, Asia," Tel Aviv Yedi'ot Aharonot, 31 August 2003, in FBIS Document GMP20030831000140.

September 2003
Various Russian and Japanese news sources report that Russia may soon supply Iran with more modern anti-aircraft missile defense systems as Iran's needs for higher security in the wake of new developments regarding Iran's nuclear program. Radjab Safarov, director general of the Russian Center for Modern Iran Studies, recalls propositions from the late Duma Defense Committee Chairman, Lev Rokhlin, that once Iran launches military satellites, it will need better air defense systems, and Russia will be there to supply them.
—"Russia may supply air defense systems to Iran: What does Washington think about it?" Paravda, 4 September 2003, in <http://www.payvand.com>; "Russia ready to sell air defense systems to Iran" The Russia Daily Journal, 3 September 2003.

4 September 2003
Brigadier-General Parviz announces that Iran has been manufacturing "intelligent" armaments such as laser-guided bombs and missiles, navigation and identification systems, and advanced photographic equipment for various high altitudes among the 187 various projects using domestic technologies.
—"Iran's air force builds 'intelligent,' laser-guided missiles, bombs," Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic Network 1, 4 September 2003, in FBIS Document IAP20030904000005.

4 September 2003
Former Undersecretary of State Robert Kimmitt states that it is time for Europe to confront Iran in the regards to the acceleration of its paralleled nuclear and missile programs.
—Robert Kimmitt, "Iran, Time for Europe to lead," Washington Post, 4 September 2003.

22 September 2003
Iran marks the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war by parading six of its sand-colored recently deployed Shahab-3 missile on a parade ground, as well as Nazeat-6, Nazeat-10, Zezal, Maverick, Hawk, Tondar-69, Fateh-110, Sam-6, and Scud-Bs missiles among others.
—Greg LaMotte, "Iran/missile," Voice of America News, 22 September 2003; in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>; Dan De Luce, "Iran reportedly displays 'longer range' missiles in Tehran parade," The Guardian, 23 September 2003, in FBIS Document EUP20030923000084; "Iran demonstrates military capabilities, Shahab-3 missile," Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic Network 1, 22 September 2003, in FBIS Document IAP20030922000056.

29 September 2003
Iran launches the Paykan missile boat into the Caspian Sea waters to "protect Iran's interests," according Admiral Abbas Mohtaj.
—"Iran launches missile boat into Caspian Sea," Jomhuri Islami, 29 September 2003, in Deutsche Presse Agentur; "Iran: newspaper announces launch of Paykan missile boat in Caspian waters," IRNA, 29 September 2003, in FBIS Document IAP20030929000016.

12 October 2003
Iranian Brigadier-General Parviz announces that Iranian Air Force technicians have started designing and building the acceleration control device to be used in missile guidance systems, which will soon go into mass production.
—"Iran: Air force commander announces missile guidance system," Tehran Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio 1, 12 October 2003, in FBIS Document IAP20031012000001.

Mid-October 2003
An Iranian professor states to Washington think tank that Iran is pursuing a multi-point program to produce nuclear warheads and improve the range and accuracy of their weapons.
—Dave Ahearn, "Iran seeks nuclear arms, longer-range missiles: scholar," Navy News Week, 20 October 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 October 2003
Retired General Iliya Stankov states that U.S./NATO Patriot-3 missile defense systems could be stationed in Bulgaria by 2006 to counter Iran's Shahab-3 and future long-range ballistic missiles that threaten NATO and Europe.
—Daniela Teofanova, "US to deploy two Patriot Batteries in Bulgaris," 168 Chasa, 17 October 2003, in FBIS Document EUP20031019000147.

18 October 2003 
The Keyhan reports that the Tabriz University is developing an element crucial to guided missiles. The element, being produced by Dr. Hamedani, is a composite known as piro-electric germanium lead, which can also be used in the production of night-vision binoculars and infrared equipment.
—"Tabriz University develops element crucial for guided missiles," Keyhan, 18 October 2003, in FBIS document IAP20031020000148.

	Updated February 2006