Iran reportedly test fires missiles

TEHRAN, July 9 (UPI) -- The Iranian military reportedly test-fired nine missiles Wednesday, including one that Tehran claims can reach Israel.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, meanwhile, said it was preparing for a military operation in the Persian Gulf, reported Press TV, Iran's official broadcaster.

Rear Adm. Morteza Safari, IRGC navy commander, said many Iranian missiles and navy units were prepared to begin an exercise in the Strait of Hormuz to test the unit under war conditions.

The missiles reported tested were long- and medium-range arms, including a new version of the Shahab-3 Iranian officials said can strike targets 1,250 miles away, The New York Times reported.

Iran warned Israel and the United States it would retaliate against an attack. Israel has expressed concern about Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Israel said it didn't want to go to war against Iran.

"Israel has no desire for conflict or hostilities with Iran," said Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. "But the Iranian nuclear program and the Iranian ballistic missile program must be of grave concern to the entire international community."

U.S. and British warships also are conducting naval maneuvers in the Persian Gulf, the Times said.