TEHRAN, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Iran's state television reported Thursday that the country has test-fired "dozens" of missiles, including the Shahab-3, with a range of 1,000 miles.
The missile firing appears to be a response to naval exercises in the Persian Gulf earlier this week by the United States and its allies, The New York Times said. Vessels from 20 countries, including three Gulf States, practiced intercepting and searching ships for nuclear weapons, doing this only 20 miles outside Iran's territorial waters.
The news agency ISNA said a senior official denied any link between the missile tests and advances in Iran's nuclear program.
"The first and main goal of this exercise is to demonstrate power and national determination to defend the country against any possible threat, and show Iran's missile capability which has increased the country's defense capability," the ISNA said.
State Department spokesman Sean McCormack called Iran's actions "saber-rattling" and said it shows Iran is a force for instability.
