Earlier this year, Tehran's arch-enemy Israel test fired its own Arrow 2 missile in a simulation of stopping the Shahab-3.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

But some western defense analysts believe the Shahab-3 is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

The Shahab-3 missile is thought to have a range of some 2000 kilometers, enough to put Israel, most Arab states and southern Europe in its sights.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

Curt Weldon, a Republican congressman who has championed the need for anti-missile defences, believes the Shahab-3 may already be operational.

ECONOMIST: Israel��s missile nightmares