Tehran , Iran ( CNN ) -- Iran has successfully test-fired a new version of its Fateh missile , which has a longer range than previous models , Iranian news agencies reported Wednesday . The Fateh-110 was designed by Iranian scientists and is also more accurate than older versions , Brig . Gen. Ahmad Vahidi , Iran 's defense minister , told state-run Press TV and the semi-official Fars news agency . It was n't immediately clear whether the Fateh-110 is a short- or medium-range missile . Press TV reported it is 9 meters ( 29.5 feet ) long and weighs 3,500 kilograms ( 7,716 pounds ) . Vahidi claimed that the production of the missile was `` another victory in the field of defense and technology , and was another example of busting the sanctions and getting rid of them , '' Fars quoted him as saying . He also denied that Iran 's implementation of the Fateh missile was linked to the recent purchase of U.S.-made Patriot missiles by Kuwait , according to Fars . `` Kuwait is not a threat to us because we have friendly relations with Kuwait ... however , there was no need to have that system ( Patriot ) in Kuwait , '' the minister said . The test-firing of the missile came days after Iran unveiled the first long-range military drone manufactured in the country , state media reported . On Saturday Iran also began fueling its first nuclear energy plant in the southern city of Bushehr , according to the nation 's state media . Press TV said the effort would help the country create nuclear-generated electricity . But some Western nations have questioned whether the nuclear fuel will be used solely for electricity , suggesting that Iran would eventually try to enrich uranium on its own , providing material for nuclear weapons . The United States has questioned Iran 's motives in continuing to enrich uranium within its borders . The five permanent U.N. Security Council members plus Germany offered Iran a deal last October : send the low-level uranium out of the country to be enriched elsewhere in exchange for fuel for its reactor . Tehran did not accept and instead made a counteroffer : make the swap a simultaneous one and carry it out on Iranian soil . The U.S. State Department called the Iranian proposal a stalling tactic and said world powers would not `` front '' the fuel to Iran . A stalemate ensued . The United States is now seeking support for expanded sanctions , saying Iran is unlikely to negotiate unless sanctions are in place . CNN 's Shirzad Bozorgmehr contributed to this report .
The new version of the Fateh missile has a longer range , Iranian news media claim . Defense minister claims missile is related to Kuwait 's Iranian missile purchase . Iran began fueling first nuclear energy plant at weekend , raising controversy in West .