Defying U.S., Iran unveils new missile during parade

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has unveiled its latest ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 kilometres -- about 1,250 miles-- capable of reaching much of the Middle East, including Israel.

The unveiling came during a military parade on Friday in Tehran. The parade commemorates the 1980s Iran-Iraq war.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted chief of the Guard's airspace division, Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, as saying that the new missile, named Khoramshahr, "can carry several warheads for various uses."The missile, was put on display during the military parade in Tehran on Friday, with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and senior military officials in attendance.

Addressing the event, Rouhani said no country can stop the Islamic Republic from strengthening its missile capabilities and defense programs."We will promote our defensive and military power as much as we deem necessary," Rouhani said. "We seek no one's permission to defend our land."

He added that Iran's defense power has never been used for aggressive acts, while certain world powers export deadly weapons to the Middle East.The Iranian president said Tehran is playing key role in restoring peace and stability to the region.

"The great nation of Iran has always pursued peace and security in the region and the world, and has always defended the oppressed people of the world. We will defend the downtrodden people of Yemen, Syria, and Palestine whether you like it or not," he added.

The parades across the country feature military units from various divisions of the Armed Forces, including the Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as well as the Police Force. The week-long events are held in commemoration of Iranian forces' eight-year defence of the Islamic Republic in the face of Iraq's 1980-88 imposed war against the country.

Rouhani further slammed Washington and Tel Aviv's recent anti-Tehran statements before the UN General Assembly.

He said the US and Israel have isolated themselves by expressing opposition to the nuclear agreement, which is hailed by the entire world community as a win for international diplomacy.Rouhani once again reiterated Iran's full commitment to the landmark 2015 nuclear accord with six world powers, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The move is a direct challenge to President Donald Trump, who signed a bill imposing mandatory penalties on those involved in Iran's ballistic missile program and anyone who does business with them.