Iran tests new missile despite US warnings

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Iran has "successfully" launched a new medium-range ballistic missile, in defiance of US warnings to ditch the landmark nuclear deal, according to Iran's Press TV.

Press TV on Saturday broadcast a footage released by the government of the successful test-launch of its new ballistic missile, Khorramshahr, in the capital city of Tehran on Friday.

The report said the missile can carry multiple warheads.

The missile has a range of 2,000 kilometers, making it easily capable of reaching countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia.

"The Khorramshahr missile has become smaller in size and more tactical and it will be operational in the near future," the broadcaster said.

Missiles are displayed as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends an armed forces parade in Tehran, Iran, September 22, 2017. /Reuters Photo

The missile was first unveiled at a military parade on Friday, where Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran would press ahead with strengthening its missile capabilities and military defenses.

"We will promote our defensive and military power as much as we deem necessary," Rouhani said. "We seek no one's permission to defend our land."

He added, "Whether you like it or not we are going to help Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, and we will strengthen our missiles."

Iran's previous missile launches have triggered criticism and sanctions from the US, who accused the acts of violating the spirit of the nuclear deal Tehran inked with other major powers in 2015.

At the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump criticized the 2015 pact, saying it was "one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the US has ever entered into” and "an embarrassment to the United States."

US President Donald Trump addresses the 72nd Annual UN General Assembly in New York on September 19, 2017. /AFP Photo

The US has imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran, saying its missile tests violated a UN resolution that endorsed the nuclear deal and called on Tehran not to undertake activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Iran denies its missile development breaches the resolution, saying the missiles are not designed to carry nuclear weapons.

Trump is due to report to Congress on October 5, on whether to certify that Iran is complying with the agreement. If he does not, it might lead to renewed sanctions against Iran or even the collapse of the pact. On Wednesday, Trump said, he had made his decision but was not yet ready to reveal it.