Iran Launches a New Surface-to-Surface Missile With a Range of Almost 2,000 KM

Following are excerpts from a TV report on a new Iranian missile, which aired on Channel 1, Iranian TV on November 12, 2008:

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar: This is a two-stage missile, with two engines, utilizing composite solid-propellant. It has new, unique capabilities, and belongs to a new generation of surface-to-surface missiles. It is very precise, and has a range of almost 2,000 kilometers. It is unique in terms of the speed with which it can become operational, and because it can be stored in large quantities. The missile, the launching equipment, and all the auxiliary equipment were designed by our scientists in the defense industries. This missile's capabilities make our beloved armed forces more powerful, with greater ability.

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The missile capabilities of the Islamic Republic constitute a deterrent. These capabilities have always served the interests of peace, stability, and maintaining calm in the region, and it will continue to do so. These missiles will only target the enemies of the sacred regime of the Islamic Republic, who want to threaten and attack it.

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I hereby authorize the launching of the surface-to-surface missile Sejjil, in the name of Ali ibn Musa Reza.