Iran tested ballistic missiles

Iran conducted tests of several ballistic missiles, reports the BBC. The launch was made from underground launchers in different parts of the country.

The official statement of the Armed Forces states that the purpose of the test was a demonstration of the country's ability to restrain any threat.

The tests passed despite the pressure of Washington, which insists on the inadmissibility of such actions. However, Iran insists that missile tests are not related to its nuclear program. "The ballistic missile development program has never been intended for the development of nuclear weapons delivery tools," said Jeanian Foreign Ministry, Khussain Dzhaber Ansari.

On January 17, the US Department of Finance announcedthe introduction of new sanctions against Iran in connection with the program of testing ballistic missiles. The American sanctions list included 11 companies and private individuals. The sanctions provide for a ban on any financial transactions with these persons and companies, their property and assets in the USA and in American banks should be frozen. The list includes not only Iranian enterprises, but also companies registered in Hong Kong and the UAE.

"Iran’s program for testing ballistic missiles poses a significant threat to regional and global security, and Iran will continue to be subjected to international sanctions," said the representative of the Ministry of Finance Adam Shubin.

US President Barack Obama, speaking with a statement on Iran, also said that the United States would continue to tighten sanctions against Iran in connection with the country's missile program.