Press TV – February 7, 2009
A Russian official says a satellite launch by Iranian technology suggests that the country's missiles "can reach any point on the globe".
On Tuesday, Iran fired its Omid (Hope) satellite into orbit by a homemade satellite carrier coinciding with celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
The orbital launch raised concerns in the US, France, Israel and Britain about the potential ability Tehran has in launching long-range missiles halfway around the globe.
"I take my hat off to Iranian scientists," Vitali Lapota, manager of the RKK Energuia space construction company, said Thursday.
"They have shown their missiles can reach any point on the globe," the Russia space official was quoted as saying by the Interfax news agency.
Iran says its scientific achievements serve no military purpose.
On Friday, Iranian envoy to Moscow Mahmoud-Reza Sajadi denied that the country can strike targets around the globe.
"Any assessments to this effect (the range of Iranian missiles) are untrue. Our missiles have a very limited range," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.
Iran says its missiles will only be used for defensive measures should it come under attack.
The country possesses medium- and long-range missiles, such as the advanced Shahab-3 and the Sejjil missiles boasting of a minimum range of 1,250 miles (2000 kilometers).
The Iranian government has invested in and developed such defensive programs ever since Israel officially threatened to militarily take out Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
MD/AA
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Last updated 10/02/2009
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