Iran test fires missile medium-range

Iran successfully test fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile during navy war games taking place near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a spokesman for the manoeuvres said, according to the official IRNA news agency.This medium-range surface-to-air missile is equipped with the latest technology to combat radar-evading targets and intelligent systems which try to disrupt missile navigation, Commodore Mahmoud Mousavi was quoted as saying.He said it was the first time Iran had tested the missile, which was domestically designed and built. It was not immediately known whether the missile was fired from a ship or from land.The missiles launch and the war games are meant to show Irans military capabilities at a time that the United States and other Western nations are increasing pressure over Tehrans nuclear programme.The fact that they are taking place near the Strait of Hormuz has focused attention on Irans threats in recent days that it could close the narrow channel at the entrance to the Gulf if more sanctions are imposed.In a move that could intensify a brewing Gulf showdown, US President Barack Obama on Saturday signed into law tough new sanctions targeting Irans central bank and financial sector.Twenty percent of the worlds oil passes through the strait, making it the most important chokepoint globally, according to the US Energy Information Administration.