Iran test-fires new missile as Strait of Hormuz posturing continues

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In a demonstration likely designed to intimidate the US and Israel, Iran test fired two missiles as part of a 10-day military exercise on Monday.

With these missiles, Iran could target regional US bases. The military display was also designed to demonstrate Iran’s ability to close of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil passes.

As speculation intensifies that the US and Israel are conducting a covert war against Iran, and the West is threatening to impose further sanctions, the Islamic Republic has said it is enhancing its defenses.

The West and Israel have lately increased pressure on Iran to stop its nuclear program, which they say is designed to make nuclear weapons. Iran says is it is strictly for meeting its electricity needs.

With a range of 200 kilometers, Iran’s new Qader sea-launched cruise missile comes as part of a program “to beef up the country's defense capabilities against potential enemies,” reports Iran’s Press TV. The missile was first unveiled in late August and the nation began mass production in late September.

“In comparison with the previous version, the highly advanced Ghader missile system has been upgraded in terms of its radar, satellite communications, precision in target destruction, as well as range and radar-evading mechanism,” the Associated Press quoted Rear Adm. Mahmoud Mousavi, an Iranian military spokesman, as saying.

Iran has described these missiles as “long-range,” but missiles with the reach of the Qader are generally considered medium- to short-range missiles, even by comparison to others produced by Iran.

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