The launching of the Emad long-range surface-to-surface missile. (Iranian Defense Ministry via AP)

Iran is progressing in full force with its weapons development as the world stands by and watches. 

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) launched several ballistic missiles during a military exercise on Tuesday, the official IRNA news agency reported.

IRNA said the missiles, launched from underground silos in several locations across the country, demonstrated Iran’s “deterrence power” and its “readiness to confront threats.”

State TV ran what it said was video footage of the operation, showing missiles in underground silos and flashes of light from nighttime launches.

State media did not provide further details about the missiles or their range.

In October and in November, Iran successfully test-fired the new Emad guided long-range ballistic surface-to-surface missile. Those were the first such tests since Iran and world powers reached a controversial nuclear deal last summer.

UN experts said the missile launches, using ballistic technology, were banned by the Security Council and therefore Iran violated the resolution.

In January, the US imposed new sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the ballistic missile program.

Ballistic missiles are especially sensitive with Iran because they could provide the delivery system for a nuclear warhead. As part of nuclear negotiations with world powers, Iran accepted an eight-year extension of a UN ban on its ballistic missile program, which they are apparently still vigorously developing.

Iran claims none of its missiles are designed to carry nuclear weapons.

Iran claims to have surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles), capable of striking Israel and US military bases in the region.

By: AP and United with Israel Staff