CBNNews.com - TEHERAN, Iran - Iran tripled its arsenal of long-range missiles over the past year, according to a report on Israel's Channel 10.

At the beginning of 2008, Iran claimed to have 30 Shihab-3 missiles, while at year's end, it boasts more than 100 long-range missiles capable of targeting Israeli cities.

Though the missiles can be armed with conventional one-ton warheads, they are also capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Some analysts believe that publicizing the buildup is meant to deter Israel from attacking its nuclear facilities by showing it can launch a massive retaliatory strike.

The state-run Fars News Agency frequently posts information on the country's missile capabilities. Last summer, it claimed to have tested a new, improved version of the Shihab-3, with more advanced guidance system and longer-range capabilities.

At the time, Israeli intelligence officials noted that the footage posted on FARS appeared to be an altered version of earlier tapes.

Sources: Haaretz, YNet news