As world powers are stepping up efforts to return to a nuclear deal with Iran, the Islamic Republic is testing nuclear-capable ballistic missiles in violation of the agreement, Israel revealed this week.

According to a report by Israel Hayom Friday, Israeli Ambassador to the United States and the United Nations Gilad Erdan has sent a letter to the UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, revealing information about Iran’s illegal missile activities, which violate Resolution 2231 that endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action back in 2015.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps has been testing missiles for several months, including nuclear ones, Erdan wrote in his letter. He called on UNSC members to condemn Tehran’s actions.

The Security Council must respond to Iran’s threats to world peace and security, Erdan wrote, and described in detail the kinds of missiles the regime was testing and what their capabilities were.

During one of its military exercises in mid-January, called “The Great Prophet 15,” Iranian forces tested missiles of various ranges, including the Sejjil and Qader ballistic missiles, which are capable of carrying a 650 kg (1400 pounds) warhead and have a range of approximately 2,000 km (1,200 miles).

Tehran’s technological progress once again reflects the link between the regime’s space and military programs, which work together to develop the regime’s nuclear capabilities, Erdan wrote in his letter.

Meanwhile, Iran warned Israel and the US Thursday about possible retaliation after the Jewish state struck Saviz, an Iranian-flagged ship, in the Red Sea on Tuesday.

“No doubt the United States was involved,” an Iranian military spokesman said.

Source: Arutz Sheva

Notes:

• Sejil-1: The Sejil is a two-stage, solid-propellant, surface-to-surface missile (SSM) produced by Iran with a reported 2,400 km (1,500 mi) range. A successful test launch took place on 13 November 2008. Its range, if confirmed, would allow it to strike targets as far away as Israel and southeastern Europe, though Iran asserts that it is intended for purely defensive purposes.
• Sejil-2: Sejil-2 is an upgraded version of the Sejil. The Sejil-2 two-stage solid-fuel missile has a 2,000 km range and was first test-fired on 20 May 2009. The Sejil-2 surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) was first tested eight months prior to the actual test launch, which took place in the central Iranian province of Semnan. Improvements include better navigation system, better targeting system, more payload, longer range, faster lift-off, longer storage time, quicker launch and lower detection possibility. On December 16, 2009,an upgraded version of Sejil-2 was test fired. This new version of the Sejil-2 is faster during the powered flight portion of its trajectory and also during the re-entry phase.It is also harder to detect for anti-missile systems, as it is covered with anti-radar material.The new highly maneuverable missile is also more efficient as it requires less time for prelaunch preparations.
• Sejil-3: An unconfirmed report stated the a Sejil-3 may be in development. The Sejil-3 would reportedly have three stages, a maximum range of 4,000 km, and a launch weight of 38,000 kg. The Sejil-3 is intended to be the first IRBM of the Sejil series.It is based on the design of the Sejil-2, but with an improved engine and guidance system and better survivability. The Sejil-3 is more maneuverable than its predecessor, making it harder for ABM systems to intercept. The final phase of testing is due to commence in early 2016, with entry into service by 2017.

Specifications

• Mass 22.5 tonnes
• Length 18.2 m
• Diameter 1.25 m
• Warhead 500-1500 kg
• Propellant: Solid fuel
• Operational range: 2000-2500 km (Hybrid mode 4500)
• Maximum speed: Mach 14 (4300 m/s)
• Guidance system: Inertial – GPS
• Accuracy 20 m