On July 9, responding to internal political tensions, Iran raised one of its missiles to full elevation.
Stimulated by a growing sense of international urgency, the Revolutionary Guards carefully manipulated the sensitive controls of the long, powerful weapons system.
As potent liquid fuel filled the internal chambers to overflowing, the missile at last filled the sky with a satisfying blast of exhaust gases.
Not sated by the initial test, Iran proceeded to erect and fire another weapon, and another. This comes after Iran fired off a total of nine times the previous day.
Washington has warned that continuing such behavior will prevent Iran from ever having a satisfying relationship with the rest of the world.
Iran denies that it was thinking of Israel during the exercise.
