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Iran defense chief denies test-firing new missile

Xinhua, February 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

Iran's defense minister on Thursday denied as "fabricated" media reports that the Islamic republic has test-fired another missile recently.

"Such fabricated claims are propagated by the Zionist regime (of Israel) and are aimed at Iranophobia," Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said.

The allegations are "provocative and lies" seeking to create enmity with Iran, Dehqan added.

He advised the Persian Gulf Arab states "not to be deceived by such propaganda.

"The Islamic republic is not and will never be a threat to them (Persian Gulf Arab states) and the Americans are seeking to sell arms by making a psychological war," Dehqan said.

On Thursday, an unidentified U.S. official told CNN that Iran fired a surface-to-air missile on Wednesday.

"The missile was launched from the same pad that Iran used to conduct its failed medium-range missile test earlier this month," the report said.

The United States on Friday announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals allegedly involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and providing support to the military in Iran.

The move came days after Iran launched a ballistic missile test, which drew a stern warning from Washington.

In reaction, Iranian officials unanimously described the missile test an "inalienable right" of the country to boost its deterrent power.

Tehran has vowed to counter the fresh U.S. sanctions. Endit