TEHRAN — Iran test-fired an upgraded version Wednesday of an advanced missile capable of hitting Israel and parts of Europe, an apparent signal to discourage attacks on its nuclear facilities.
The test of the medium- range Sajjil-2 fueled calls for tougher sanctions against Teh ran, which has resisted U.N. demands that it rein in its nuclear ambitions. Iran said the launch proved it can deter any U.S. or Israeli military strike.
“This is a matter of serious concern to the international community, and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions. We will treat this with the seriousness it deserves,” British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said after talks with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon in Copenhagen.
Britain’s Foreign Office said Iran has the “clear intention to extend the range of its missiles,” calling the launch “the wrong signal to send when the international community is trying to find a diplomatic solution” to the nuclear issue.
It was the third Sajjil-2 test since it was unveiled in May. It has the longest range of any Iranian missile, about 1,200 miles, putting Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf region within reach. It could also reach parts of southeastern and eastern Europe.
Iran has dramatically accelerated its domestic missile program in recent years, part of a bid to depict itself as a military and technological power. The missile program has raised concerns, but experts are skeptical about Iranian claims of advances.
In Washington, Defense Department press secretary Geoff Morrell called the launch provocative but said the technology was not “particularly different than anything we’ve seen in the past.”
But equally important is the political message, said Washington-based security analyst Alex Vatanka.
“One signal is very clear. They are saying Iran will not negotiate with the West from a position of weakness. They are saying: If you think sanctions and threats are something to worry us, then you are mistaken,” said Vatanka, with the intelligence group Jane’s.
