NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has announced a significant advance in the effort to develop a solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missile.

The Iranian Defense Ministry reported the successful test of a solid-fuel engine that could be installed in the Shihab-3 intermediate-range missile. The ministry said Iran developed the engine after years of efforts.

"The test was a success," Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said on Tuesday. "When you fill a missile with liquid fuel, you have to use it quickly. With solid fuel, a missile can be stored for years."

Shamkhani said Iran's indigenous solid-fuel engine would improve the accuracy of the military's missile arsenal. He said the solid-fuel motor would also the reduce cost of the Shihab-3 and other missiles.