Missiles fired in Iran exercise

The Shahab-3 is thought capable of striking Israel

Iran's military has fired dozens of missiles during a military exercise in central Iran, state-run TV reported.

The missiles included the Shahab-3, which has a 2,000km (1,240 mile) range, and the Shahab-2, which can carry cluster bombs, the report said.

Analysts say the Shahab-3 is capable of hitting Israel and US military bases in the Gulf.

The missile tests come at the start of 10 days of military manoeuvres planned across the country.

On Wednesday, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, General Yahya Rahim Safavi, said the exercises, named "Great Prophet", would take place in the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and several provinces of the country.

Gen Safavi said the exercises would be a show of defensive capability.

One report said the missiles fired on Thursday were launched from the desert near the clerical centre of Qom, 120km (75 miles) south of Tehran.

The military manoeuvres come as the UN Security Council is considering putting sanctions on Iran in response to its refusal to stop enriching uranium.

Western countries fear Iran is trying to develop a nuclear bomb, but Iran maintains its nuclear programme is for entirely civilian purposes.