US 'new' evidence of Iranian missiles

The Americans say they have new evidence that Iran is seeking to develop a long-range ballistic missile that could strike targets in Israel, Turkey and much of the Gulf.

They say spy satellites have monitored engine tests for the missile, which they believe could make its first test flight within two years.The BBC defence correspondent says Iran's missile programme presents the United States with a dilemma; last month the new Iranian president, Mohammed Khatami, appealed for a dialogue with the Americans.

But at Friday prayers in Teheran, Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said there was no support in the Iranian leadership for any rapprochement with the United States.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service