Iran test fires cruise missiles in new military manoeuvres

Following weeks of tensions with the US, Iran has made another show of defiance by test firing naval cruise missiles off its southern coast.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

27 February, 2017

Missile tests have become a controversial regional issue [AFP]

Iran's navy has test-fired the latest versions of the Nasr and Dehlaviyeh missiles during military exercises in the Gulf, local media reported on Monday.

It comes after tensions between the US and Iran heighten, following the election of President Donald Trump and Tehran's earlier test firing of ballistic missiles.

Iran said the cruise missiles were fired during new naval exercises off its coast.

"The latest naval cruise missile called Nasr was test-fired during Velayat 95 naval manoeuvres in the southern waters of the country," said Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan, according to the Fars news agency, adding that the missile had successfully hit its target.

Tasnim news agency said the Dehlaviyeh, a laser-guided missile, had also been successfully tested.

It was reported back in 2012 that Iran had based the Dehlaviyeh on a Russian anti-tank missile.