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New Iranian missile

Iran is developing a new long-range missile that was test launched in February and has more in common with current Iranian missiles than Tehran claims it has for a satellite-launch program, according to Jane's Intelligence Review.

The authoritative British magazine provided an analysis of the launch, based on commercial satellite photographs and Iranian TV footage. The analysis reveals that, contrary to Iranian government claims, the new missile is a single-stage version of the Shahab-3 medium-range missile.

"Tehran has said the February 4th test was the first step toward launching a satellite," the Jane's analysis stated in the April edition. "However, the test appears to be part of the ongoing Shahab program, with no significant improvement in Iran's ballistic missile, and therefore space, program."

"Nonetheless, the Kavoshgar launch site or space center suggests that Iran is seeking to significantly develop its satellite, and hence ballistic missile, program by following a similar path to North Korea's Taepodong-1 missile program."

A defense official told The Washington Times on the condition of anonymity that the missile identified by Jane's apparently resembles the Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile.

Iran appears to be following the example of North Korea in cobbling together a long-range missile. The North Korean Taepodong-2 uses a first stage that is similar to Iran's liquid-fueled Shahab-3, a second-state similar to the Scud and a solid-fueled third stage.

The missile report will be good news for the Bush administration which has been trying to convince Russia that the growing threat from Iran's missiles highlights the need to set up a third U.S. missile defense interceptor site in central Europe.

Feith speaks

Former Undersecretary of Defense Douglas J. Feith has written one of the first insider accounts of the Pentagon and Bush administration decision-making process related to the Iraq war.