WarSclerotic

Iran has successfully test-fired the fourth generation of its Fateh-110 missile, Iranian Defense Minister Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said Saturday.

According to the Fars News Agency, Vahidi said that the new version of the Fateh-110, which means “conqueror” in Farsi,  has increased accuracy and has a range of 300 kilometers.

He said the solid-fuel, surface-to-surface missile was developed domestically by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization. The new version of the missile increases the weapon’s range from earlier generations, Vahidi said. Earlier versions of the missile have a range of around 200 kilometers and can carry a 250 kg warhead.

The missile is of particular interest to Israel since Hezbollah has hundreds of M600 missiles, which are copies of the Fateh-110. Hezbollah is believed to be storing the M600 in private homes throughout southern and central Lebanon.

The Iranian defense minister’s announcement came amid increased speculation in recent weeks that Israel could launch a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the near future.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that US-led sanctions and diplomatic efforts have had no impact on the Iranian nuclear program, and warned that time is running out to peacefully resolve the issue.

Former Mossad chief Efraim Halevy also fueled speculation of an impending Israeli strike, telling the New York Times on Wednesday that “If I were an Iranian, I would be very fearful of the next 12 weeks.” The Times reported that some American officials believe Israel might attack Iran this year.

Yaakov Katz contributed to this report.