Iran test-fires long-range missiles near strategic waterway
2 January 2011
Iran has successfully test-fired two long-range missiles on the last day of major naval exercises in the international waters of the Persian Gulf. This comes amid mounting Western pressure on the country over its nuclear ambitions.
Tehran says it's ready to counter any attack by enemies like Israel or the United States. Iran has also angrily reacted to new U.S. sanctions targeting its central bank and financial sector. It has been threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important oil export route linking the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile the EU is mulling an embargo on the purchase of Iranian oil, and a decision on that is expected before the end of the month.