Iran denies reports of long-range missile test firing

Iran has denied reports by state media that it test-fired long-range missiles during military exercises in the Gulf this week.



Iran's senior navy commander is, however, quoted as telling Iran's Press TV that the exercise of launching missiles will be carried out in the coming days.



The semi-official Fars news agency and other media outlets reported earlier that land-to-sea missiles had been fired.



The military exercises in the Gulf come at a time of increased tensions between the West and Iran over its nuclear ambitions.



The US and its allies believe Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran denies. Tehran insists its nuclear programme is purely for peaceful purposes.



Iran has maintained that it needs nuclear technology to generate electricity to meet growing domestic demand.



editorial@gleanerjm.com