Iran claimed yesterday that it has successfully test-fired an upgraded version of a short-range ballistic missile with improved accuracy, increasing the Islamic Republic's capability to strike both land and naval targets.

Defense Minister General Ahmad Vahidi said the solid-fueled Fateh-110 has a range of 300 kilometers. He claimed the weapon could strike with pinpoint precision, making it the most accurate weapon of its kind in Iran's arsenal.

"By reaching this generation of the Fateh-110, a new capability has been added to our armed forces in striking sea and land targets," state TV quoted Vahidi as saying. "Few countries in the world possess the technology to build such missiles."

Iran's military leaders have said they believe future wars will be air and sea-based and Tehran has sought to upgrade its air defense systems and naval power in anticipation of such a possibility.

Iran has also been pushing to upgrade its missiles, which can target Israel and US bases in the Middle East. The Pentagon released a report in June noting significant advances in Iranian missile technology, acknowledging that the Islamic Republic has improved accuracy and firing capability.

The Fateh-110, or Conqueror, is a single-stage solid-propellant, surface-to-surface missile put into service in 2002. The earlier version of the domestically-produced missile had a range of 200 kilometers. The weapon was developed by Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization.

Iran also has longer-ranged missiles including a Shahab-3 variant with a range of 2,000 kilometers that can reach Israel and southern Europe. Many of its missiles could in theory carry a nuclear warhead.

Iran considers both the United States and Israel as potential adversaries. Neither country has ruled out a military strike against Iran's nuclear program, which they claim is aimed at developing nuclear technology. Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes. Israel is 1,000 kilometers from Iran's western borders, while the US Navy's Fifth Fleet is based in Bahrain, 200 kilometers from Iranian shores in the Persian Gulf.

Iran's military leaders have threatened that Israel "would disappear from the Earth" if it attacks Iran.

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