Nuclear tensions rise as Iran tests missiles

Tensions between Iran and the West are set to skyrocket, with Iran’s test of two short-range missiles earlier today. The maneuver forms part of military exercises, the country’s elite Revolutionary Guards say are taking place over the next few days.

The test comes after the Iranian President’s return from the UN General Assembly in New York. He defended the construction of a second uranium enrichment plant in the country. The west fears it will be used to produce an atomic bomb. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad insists the plant, near the holy city of Qom, is being built in line with UN regulations. He also says he has no problem with an eventual UN inspection. Tehran says its nuclear programme is purely for generating electricity while Israel says the site is final proof of Iran’s intention to make nuclear weapons. The US and five other world powers are due to discuss the nuclear issue with Iran in Geneva next week.More about: Iran, Mideast

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