Iran missile tests defensive, Fars news agency cites Iranian military source as saying

Iran's missile tests are part of the country's defensive needs and are not directed against any country, and Tehran does not need any power's permission, the semi-official news agency Fars on Saturday quoted an Iranian military source as saying.

A U.S. defense official said on Thursday that Iran tested what appeared to be a medium-range ballistic missile on Wednesday that traveled about 1,000 km (620 miles). The test did not pose a threat to shipping or any U.S. personnel in the region, the official said.

"An informed source at the staff of the armed forces said Iran's missile tests are natural within its defensive needs. This missile capacity is not against any country, and only aims to respond to possible aggression," Fars said. "Iran does not need the permission of any power in the world for its self-defense."

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