Iran says it has successfully test-fired 2 missiles

Iran has successfully test-fired two missiles, including a long-range ballistic weapon, the country’s official state news agency, IRNA, reported Monday. 

The missiles were described as a "new generation," but the report did not make clear if they were new designs or upgrades of existing ones.

The report also said the ballistic missile had radar-evading capabilities, but it did not mention the name of the weapon. It said the second missile was called Bina, meaning "someone who can see well," and was laser-guided. It said it could be fired from the ground or from aircraft. 

Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehgan said the new ballistic missile could "evade anti-missile systems" and was capable of "great destruction."

"Despite all sanctions and pressures, we've done it," he said.  

President Hassan Rouhani, elected last year on promises to engage the West diplomatically, congratulated the Iranian people and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the tests, IRNA reported.

Iran's ballistic missiles have long been a source of concern for Western nations because they are capable of striking Israel.

Iran has pursued military self-sufficiency since 1992. From time to time, it announces military achievements, most of which cannot be independently verified.

Iran already has surface-to-surface missiles that have a range of about 1,250 miles and are capable of reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region. 

Iranian officials have said they will not discuss the missile program at talks with world powers later this month on Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.

Western nations and Israel suspect Iran is covertly pursuing nuclear weapons alongside its civilian program, which Iran denies.

Al Jazeera and The Associated Press