Iran says it's tested new air defense system

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran says it has successfully tested a new air defense system modeled after the U.S. Hawk system during a drill under way in the eastern half of the country.

Air defense chief Gen. Farzad Esmaili says the maneuvers are a "strong slap" to countries that "threaten" Iran -- a reference to America and Israel.

Both Israel and the U.S. have not ruled out a military option against Iran's suspect nuclear program, which the West fears intends to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

State TV on Tuesday broadcast footage said to be from the military drill, showing a Hawk missile being launched and hitting a mock aircraft.

Earlier reports said the new surface-to-air system is named "Mersad," or Ambush.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)