Iran issues missile threat to U.S., Israel

NICOSIA — Iran has threatened to fire intermediate-range missiles toward Israel and the United States.

The threat was issued by the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Brig. Gen. Rahim Safavi said Iran was prepared to defend its interests or the country. Safavi said Iranian missiles can cause irreparable damage to either Israel or the United States.

"The strong missiles of Iran are capable of imposing a very harsh blow that will be impossible to bear," Safavi was quoted as saying by the Paris-based Radio Monte Carlo.

But Safavi added that the missiles are meant to defense purposes.

Earlier this year, Iran conducted two tests of the Shihab-3, the former of which was successful. The missile is said to have a range of 1,300 kilometers.

A report by the CIA-sponsored National Intelligence Council warned that Iran could test an intercontinental ballistic missile next year. Israel does not share that assessment.

The threat came as Iranian spokespeople have rejected proposals reported by President Bill Clinton. These include a Palestinian concession on refugee return.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi said Teheran rejects what it termed an Israeli proposal to settle Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. There are more than 300,000 Palestinians in Lebanon.

"This move is line with imposing Israeli illegitimate demands," Asefi said. "Return of Palestinians refugees to their homeland is among their basic rights that should be respected."