Iran has successfully test-fired a long-range, improved Sejil 2 missile, state television reported this morning, an announcement likely to add to tension with the West.

Al Alam, Iran's Arabic-language satellite television, said the Sejil missile had a longer range than the Shahab missile, which Iranian officials in the past have said can reach targets 2,000 km (1,250 miles) away.

That would put Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf within reach.

The missile test coincides with increased tension over Iran's nuclear programme, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran denies the charge.

Neither Israel nor the United States have ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the row. Iran has vowed to retaliate for any attack.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.