Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced on Wednesday that his country successfully launched a long-range Sajil-2 rocket, a missile with a 2,500km (1,500 mile) range.

The Iranian leader was present at the testing facility and observed the launch, reporting an accurate hit, with the Sajil-2 missile striking its intended target. Ahmadinejad did not detail the range of the missile, but on November 12th, his defense minister announced a new longer-range missile which ‘is much better than the Shihab-3”.

Iranian television broadcasted the launch, and leaders reported a large measure of success as the program advances. Ahmadinejad also used the opportunity to express Tehran’s commitment to the continuation of its nuclear program.

US Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said the Sajjil-2 surface-to-surface missile’s range most likely was about 1,200 to 1,500 miles, and “it was a successful flight test.”

An anonymous “Jerusalem source” quoted by the daily Yisrael HaYom stated the launch was indeed a partial success, adding there is reason for concern – pointing out the missile also presents a strategic threat to Europe as well.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)