Iran: August 17, 2000

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Iran finally succeeded with a complete test of its Shahab-3 missile on 15 July, and is now working on the Shahab-4 (which could be tested next year). Shahab-3, based on the North Korean Nodong-1, has a range of about 1,500km. (The first Shahab-3 test, in 1998, exploded in mid-flight.) Shahab-4, using the engine of the Russian SS-4, is thought to have a range of 2,000km. Shahab-5 is thought to seek a range of 5,500km.--Stephen V Cole