Iran carried out missile tests around the capital Tehran on Thursday evening local time, a local official confirmed. A Revolutionary Guards-linked outlet and eyewitnesses reported images and video of the test on social media.
The missile launches were visible from Tehran and the nearby northeastern cities of Gorgan, Sari and Semnan. Unverified videos shared online appeared to show trails of smoke from the launches arcing upward in the sky.
Mehdi Barari, deputy governor of Semnan for political, security and social affairs was quoted by state broadcaster IRIB as confirming the tests.
"The luminous objects observed in the sky over several provinces, including Semnan, this evening were related to missile system tests in another part of the country," IRIB cited him as saying, adding that he indicated there was no cause for public concern.
Sepah Pasdaran News, an official telegram channel of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, shared imagery of the nighttime trails in the sky without explicitly claiming responsibility. Missile tests are relatively rare in Iran.
Israel said it degraded and destroyed much of Iran's arsenal it is surprise 12-day campaign against the Islamic Republic in June. Tehran counters that its capabilities weathered Israeli attacks and missile attacks deterred its foe.
Iran's missile program has long been a key point of contention with Western powers and its arch-enemy Israel, who say the weapons pose a threat.
Tehran on Wednesday ruled out any talks with the United States on its missiles, accusing Washington of blocking prospects for nuclear negotiations by insisting on military curbs Iran deems a non-starter.
"The United States is in no position to make decisions about Iran’s national defence capabilities," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to preserve its independence at any cost, stand on its own feet, and firmly resist the excessive demands, aggression, and acts of hostility by foreign powers -- including the United States and the Zionist regime."
