fired long-range missiles Monday which a commander said could reach any regional target, flexing its military muscle ahead of this week's crucial talks with major powers worried about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The missile drills of the elite Revolutionary Guards coincide with escalating tension in Iran's nuclear dispute with the West, after last week's disclosure by Tehran that it is building a second uranium enrichment plant. After strong condemnations from the US and its allies, Iran said Saturday it will allow UN nuclear inspectors to examine the site. Iran says the new plant does not violate international law and that concerns raised by the West are baseless. But Egypt expressed worry. “There are increasing suspicions and the new plant in Qom (southwest of Tehran) signals intentions that should not be allowed,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said in remarks published Monday. He stressed the necessity for the region, including Israel, to be free of nuclear weapons. Guards' air force commander Gen. Hossein Salami said his men test-fired the Sejil and Shahab-3 versions of the long-range weapons on the second straight day of the missile maneuvers. The Fars news agency said it was the first time the Sejil had been test-fired during a military exercise. Iran says both long-range weapons can travel for 2,000 km (1,240 miles), which would put Israel, most Arab states and parts of Europe, including much of Turkey, within range. “All targets within the region, no matter where they are, will be within the range of these missiles,” Gen. Salami said, issuing a stern warning to Iran's foes. “Our response will be strong and destructive to those who threaten the existence, independence, freedom and values of our regime. They will regret it,” IRNA news agency quoted him as saying. Iran's Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi warned arch-foe Israel against launching any attack. “If this happens, which of course we do not foresee, its ultimate result would be that it expedites the Zionist regime's last breath,” Vahidi said on state television. The United States and its Western allies have made clear they will focus on Iran's nuclear program at the Geneva meeting. Iran has offered wide-ranging security talks but says it will not discuss its nuclear “rights.” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Iran must present “convincing evidence” at the Geneva meeting. “We are going to put them to the test on Oct. 1,” Clinton told CBS' “Face the Nation. “They can open their entire system to the kind of extensive investigation that the facts call for.”
