Iran announced Sunday it had successfully tested a new domestically produced long-range missile, which it said was the first that could be guided all the way to targets.

Iran announced Sunday it had successfully tested a new domestically produced long-range missile, which it said was the first that could be guided all the way to targets.

The defense ministry posted pictures of the launch of the missile, named "Imad", on its website but no details were given about its maximum range or other capabilities.

"This is Iran's first long-range missile that can be guided and controlled until hitting the target," Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying.

"We don't seek permission from anyone to strengthen our defense and missile capabilities," Dehghan said.

Iran has said its missiles would never carry a nuclear warhead as it has no plans to develop atomic weapons, and military officials have insisted on expanding the country's missile program.