TEHRAN, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Iran carried out a test of a missile that has a range of more than 1,200 miles, putting Israel and many U.S. bases in the region within reach.
Iranian state television announced the test, saying it has been successful. It was not the first firing of a Sajjil-2 model missile but comes as a deadline set by U.S. President Barack Obama regarding talks about Tehran's nuclear program looms. Obama wants some movement on the issue by the end of the year.
Western countries believe Iran is trying to become a nuclear weapons power. Tehran says its nuclear program has peaceful ends.
But disclosures of a secret facility, threats of greatly expanding the program if sanctions are levied on Iran and Wednesday's missile launch show a Tehran stubbornness before the international community.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the latest test could increase pressure to place additional sanctions on Iran.
