Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., April 14, 2008 Nisan 9, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:17 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Report: Satellite photos reveal secret Iranian missile launch site By Yossi Melman Commercial satellite photographs have revealed the presence of a secret Iranian missile launch site, according to an April issue of Jane's Defence Weekly. The images show that Iran is continuing its development of long-range missiles at the site, located some 230 kilometers southeast of Tehran. The magazine had experts analyze the photos, which were taken by Digital Globe's QuickBird satellite in February, a few days after Iran announced a successful test of what it called an experimental missile called Kavoshgar 1, which is connected to its space program. The missile, of the Shahab 3B model, was launched in the presence of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Based on the satellite imagery, the experts concluded that the launch site is very similar to the location where Iran is developing its long-range missile program. Advertisement Based on the photographs, one of the experts, Professor Geoffrey Forden of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who was quoted in the London Times Web site over the weekend, concluded that one of the structures at the launch site, which is about 40 meters long, is similar in form and size to a building in North Korea where the No-Dong missile is being manufactured. However, Forden also said the test showed no significant progress in Iran's space program. The Iranian space program is based on North Korean assistance and depends on the experience Pyongyang gleaned from its missile program. One of the lessons learned has led Tehran to systematically work toward developing ballistic capabilities that would allow it to launch rockets with a satellite payload into space. The same technology would also make it possible for Tehran to launch a satellite with warheads of various types, including non-conventional, nuclear weapons. Designs and plans on an Iranian laptop obtained by Western intelligence agencies in 2003, which were passed on to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reveal that Iran also carried out activities to further its development of a nuclear warhead. The IAEA included this evaluation in its latest report in February. According to Western intelligence estimations, Iran will reach the second stage of its missile program this year or in 2009, if there are no hitches. At that stage, it will be able to develop missiles with a range of between 3,700 to 5,700 kilometers. These missiles, an Iranian version of the North Korean No-Dong 2, will be powered by solid fuel. With missiles of this range, Iran can target most large European cities. At the third stage, Iran wants to continue development of missiles to reach a range of 10,000 kilometers, with which it could threaten the United States. The new evaluations could strengthen and justify a plan by the U.S. government to place missile defense systems on the soil of the Czech Republic and Poland. However, it is doubtful whether Russia could be persuaded to remove its strong opposition to such a move. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Meeting Carter Noam Shalit: The fact that Carter isn't pro-Israel may be beneficial. Family pressure Shin Bet admits using relatives to pressure jailed Palestinians.

Read & React Israel concerned Iran arming Hezbollah by sea via Beirut port Responses: 165 Gideon Levy: Israelis have no right to fight occupation of Tibet Responses: 156 Noam Shalit: That Carter isn't pro-Israel may be helpful Responses: 155 Iranian, Lebanese officials to skip Doha Forum over Livni's participation Responses: 77 More Headlines 18:44 Iranian, Lebanese officials to skip Doha Forum over Livni's participation 21:49 Netanyahu: Israel's government has no leadership or direction 22:57 Noam Shalit: The fact that Carter isn't pro-Israel may be beneficial 21:09 Shin Bet admits using relatives to pressure jailed Palestinians 23:37 7 hurt as IAF hits Gaza home of militant behind Nahal Oz attack 18:52 Holocaust memorial train enters Berlin, despite row with railway 01:52 Bar-On: The economy will withstand the world economic crisis 22:13 PA official: Olmert won't commit to Cairo proposal for Gaza truce 22:40 56 MKs sign petition calling to raze home of Mercaz Harav gunman 19:39 Palestinian governor of Nablus attacked on visit to Balata camp Previous Editions Select Day 13 apr 11 apr 10 apr 09 apr 08 apr 07 apr 06 apr 04 apr 03 apr 02 apr 01 apr 31 mar

Special Offers Advertisement Learn Hebrew online with Israel's best teachers Sign up for a trial lesson today NEW! Dan Boutique Jerusalem Hotel Hip Dan Hotel in Jerusalem. Attractive Introductory Rates Pardes Institute Summer Sessions Study Jewish texts and issues in Jerusalem, Co-ed, All Levels Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved