IRAN READY TO PRODUCE 18 IRBMs
IRAN READY TO PRODUCE 18 IRBMs LONDON [MENL] -- Iran has purchased
from North Korea components and material sufficient for the
assembly of 18 extended-range Shihab-class missiles that could
reach anywhere in Europe.
Western intelligence sources said Iran has combined components and
material from North Korea with technology from Russia for Teheran's
Shihab-5 intermediate-range missile. The sources said such a
missile has been designed to strike targets at distances of 3,500
kilometers.
"For several years, Iran talked about such a missile but did very
little about it," a Western intelligence source said. "Over the
last few months, that has changed significantly."
On Sunday, Gulf Cooperation Council leaders launched a two-day
summit in the United Arab Emirates that was expected to focus on
Iran. GCC officials said Iran's nuclear weapons program would lead
the summit agenda.
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