Iran reports successful test of long-range missile

TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Iranian state media reported the first successful test of the country's new long-range strike missile, the Emad, on Sunday.

Iran's defense ministry has released photos of the missile's launch, but no details of the new weapon's capabilities. CNN reports the Emad (Pillar) is a surface-to-air missile designed by Iranian experts. It is the country's first missile that can be precision-guided to reach its target.

Iran's state media, IRNA, said the Emad is "capable of scrutinizing the targets and destroying them completely."

The Emad's launch comes months after the passage of the deal between Iran and Western powers aimed at limiting its nuclear capability. A resolution passed by the United Nation's Security Council prohibits the Iranian military from developing a missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. However, Iran's defense ministry maintains it does not need permission from the rest of the world to strengthen its defensive capabilities.

The missile will also be the first Iranian weapon capable of reaching its long-term enemy, Israel. Israel's government has been vocally opposed to the nuclear deal, however Defense News reports Iran claims it does not intend to develop nuclear weapons.

The deal lifted international sanctions on the country in exchange for placing strict limits on Iran's nuclear development programs.