Iran’s armed forces have successfully fired a domestically-produced missile which can evade radar during a week of naval manoeuvres. Western nations have been watching with concern military developments in the country amid a standoff over its nuclear programme. The head of the Revolutionary Guards air force said the missile could carry multiple warheads and was a defensive weapon.

Its range is not clear. US State Department spokesperson Adam Ereli said: “We’ve obviously seen reports of the test although we don’t have any technical details. I think it shows that Iran has a very active and aggressive military programme underway.” Last month European diplomats said Iran was stepping up development of missiles capable of carrying atomic warheads.

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