Iran ‘test-fires’ medium-range ballistic missile

Washington, July 26 

Iran test-launched a medium-range ballistic missile inside its borders, US officials said on Friday, defying Trump administration demands that it curtail the weapon programme and demonstrating its intent to further push back against US sanctions.

The test came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West, mainly regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has responded to stepped-up US economic sanctions with a variety of military moves, and the Shahab-3 missile test launch could be considered another signal from Tehran that it will not back down.

The US officials confirmed the launch on condition of anonymity.  The White House said it was aware of reports of a projectile launched in Iran, but White House officials declined to comment further. Tensions have mounted with Iran over a 2015 nuclear accord it reached with world powers. — AFP