US determined to end Iran’s missile programme

WASHINGTON: The US on Thursday vowed to remain “relentless” in pressuring Iran to deter its missile programme after Tehran unveiled a new ballistic weapon days after testing a cruise missile.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards unveiled a new ballistic missile with a range of 1,000km, their official news agency Sepah News reported.

The move was the latest show of military might by the country as it celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 1979 Revolution at a time of heightened tensions with the US.

“Iran’s blatant disregard for international norms must be addressed,” US state department deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement.

“We must bring back tougher international restrictions to deter I r a n ’ s mi s s i l e p r o - gramme,” he added.

“The US will continue to be relentless in building support around the world to confront the Iranian regime’s reckless ballistic missile activity, and we will continue to impose sufficient pressure on the regime so that it changes its malign behaviour - including by fully implementing all of our sanctions.”

Tehran reined in most of its nuclear program under a landmark 2015 deal with major powers but has kept up development of its ballistic missile technology.

US President Donald Trump p ul l e d America o ut o f t he nuclear accord in May and reimposed sanctions on Iran, citing the program among its reasons.

“Iran’s latest missile launch again proves the Iran deal is doing nothing to stop Iran’s missile programme,” US secretary of state Mike Pompeo tweeted late on Thursday.

Tehran insists that its missile development programme is “purely defensive” and compliant with global requirements.