TEHRAN, September 28 (RIA Novosti) -Iran test launched on Monday a long-range missile as tensions grew with the West over its nuclear program, national media said.

The Islamic Republic started on Sunday large-scale missile drills, and has already conducted night-time test launches of the Shahab class short- and medium range ballistic missiles with multiple warheads.

The third stage of the Great Prophet IV exercises involved the launch of Iran's most powerful Shahab-3 ballistic missile with an operational range of 2,100 km (1,300 miles).

According to the Fars news agency, the night-time launches involved the Shahab-1 and Shahab-2 missiles with ranges of 350 km (217 miles) and 750 km (466 miles), respectively.

During the first stage, Iran successfully tested short-range ground-to-ground Fateh-110, Tondar-69, and Zelzal-type missiles.

The missile defense drills are being held amid growing friction with Western powers over Iran's controversial nuclear program, after Tehran revealed last week that it was building a second uranium enrichment plant.