Iran has regained the global spotlight after test-firing its most advanced long-range missiles which are capable of causing catastrophic destruction.

The new missiles are capable of carrying a warhead and striking Israel, and have the potential to reach Israel and US bases in the Gulf.

With fear of a another Middle Eastern war developing, world leaders have blasted the tests and labelled them ‘provocative’ and ‘inflammatory’.

The news comes just days after international talks with Iran about their nuclear programme commenced.

Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, said Iran’s actions indicated potential drama and needed to be closely followed.

“The missile tests are of course provocative and inflammatory. It (Iran) does need to be held to account,” Mr. Smith said.

Smith also added that talks on Iran building a second uranium enrichment site were ‘very concerning’.

“That’s why … the (UN) permanent five plus one talks with Iran on Thursday of this week are very important,” Mr. Smith said.

“Entering into the dialogue of itself won’t be enough but it can do a lot just by turning up.”

The Whitehouse also jumped into the debate.

“Obviously these were pre-planned military exercises,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

“I would lump any of these into the provocative nature in which Iran has operated on the world stage for a number of years.”

However, despite all the western worries, Iran has defended their actions with foreign ministry spokesman, Hassan Qashqavi, labelling the missile tests as an annual military drill which had no link to recent nuclear crisis talks.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION?

What is the reasoning behind Iran’s testing?

Is Israel at risk?

What will come out of the nuclear weapons discussions?

What implications will this have on Middle Eastern relations?