IRAN READY TO PRODUCE 18 IRBMs IRAN READY TO PRODUCE 18 IRBMs LONDON [MENL] -- Iran has purchased from North Korea components and material sufficient for the assembly of 18 extended-range Shihab-class missiles that could reach anywhere in Europe.
Western intelligence sources said Iran has combined components and material from North Korea with technology from Russia for Teheran's Shihab-5 intermediate-range missile. The sources said such a missile has been designed to strike targets at distances of 3,500 kilometers.
"For several years, Iran talked about such a missile but did very little about it," a Western intelligence source said. "Over the last few months, that has changed significantly."
On Sunday, Gulf Cooperation Council leaders launched a two-day summit in the United Arab Emirates that was expected to focus on Iran. GCC officials said Iran's nuclear weapons program would lead the summit agenda.
******
