Iran successfully tests Sejjil 2 missile

PRESS-TV, here

"...The 2000-km-range surface-to-surface missile was launched in the central Iranian province of Semnan on Wednesday. 

Unlike Iran's Shahab 3 missile, which burns a liquid, the new Sejjil 2 model is solid-fueled. This characteristic gives the missile greater deterrence power as it lowers the time needed to prepare for launch. 

Sejjil 2, first tested eight months ago, is also more accurate than the Shahab 3..."

"...The BBC's Jon Leyne in Tehran says the Sajjil-2 is one of Iran's longest range rockets, able to reach Israel and US bases in the Gulf, and the launch is likely to be criticised by the West.

It is hard to tell whether the launch was deliberately provocative, but the fact that it was announced by the president means it is probably intended as a political message, says our correspondent.

Following the announcement, Italy's foreign minister cancelled a planned trip to Tehran because Iranian officials changed the venue for his two-day visit.

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini rejected the request to meet Mr Ahmadinejad at the launch site, Semnan, instead of in the capital.

Hours before his trip should have begun, Mr Frattini expressed "strong regret over a lost opportunity" to discuss Iran's role in stabilising Pakistan and Afghanistan..."