Iran launches ballistic missiles during military exercise

Iranian Defence Ministry photo claims to show launch of Emad long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missile in an undisclosed location, on Oct. 11, 2015. (Iranian Defense Ministry via AP)

TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's Revolutionary Guard has launched several medium-range and short-range ballistic missiles in recent days as part of a military exercise, the official IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday.

The missiles had a range of 300 kilometres to 2,000 kilometres, IRNA quoted Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Guard's aerospace division, as saying.

IRNA said the missiles, launched from silos in several locations across the country, demonstrated Iran's "deterrence power" and its readiness to confront threats. State TV ran what it said was video footage of the operation, showing missiles in underground silos and flashes of light from nighttime launches.

State media said the exercise was in its final phase on Tuesday.

In October, Iran successfully test-fired a new guided long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missile. It was the first such test since Iran and world powers reached a landmark nuclear deal last summer.

UN experts said the launch used ballistic missile technology banned under a Security Council resolution. In January, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the ballistic missile program.

Iran says none of its missiles are designed to carry nuclear weapons.

Iran claims to have surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometres (1,250 miles), capable of striking Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.