Iran defies Trump and tests new ballistic missile

Iran has successfully tested a new ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,200 miles) which it displayed at a military parade on Friday, state media reported on Saturday.

The test-firing of the Khorramshahr missile, which Iran said could carry several warheads, is likely to raise concerns in Washington.

State broadcaster IRIB carried footage of the missile test without giving its time and location, including video from an on-board camera which it said showed the detachment of the cone that carries multiple warheads.

'You are seeing images of the successful test of the Khorramshahr ballistic missile with a range of 2,000 km, the latest missile of our country,' state television said.

'This is the third Iranian missile with a range of 2,000 km,' it added.

The Khorramshahr missile was first displayed at a military parade on Friday, where President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would strengthen its missile capabilities without seeking any country's permission.

At the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said Iran was building its missile capability and accused it of exporting violence to Yemen, Syria and other parts of the Middle East.

He also criticised the 2015 pact that the United States and other world powers struck with Iran under which Tehran agreed to restrict its nuclear programme in return for relief from economic sanctions.

The United States has imposed unilateral sanctions against Iran, saying Tehran's ballistic missile tests violated a UN resolution that endorsed the nuclear deal and called on Tehran not to undertake activities related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

Iran denies its missile development breaches the resolution, saying the missiles are not designed to carry nuclear weapons.

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.