War games this month showcased missiles with improved accuracy and firing capabilities, Iranian media reports said Friday, an apparent response to stepped up Western moves against Iran's nuclear program.

Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards conducted the exercise in the central desert, firing ballistic missiles including a long-range variety meant to deter an Israeli or U.S. attack. The targets were models of foreign military bases, and the stated goal was to show that Iran's missiles can hit Western bases and Israel.

The U.N. Security Council has imposed several rounds of economic sanctions on Iran, aimed at persuading Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program. The sanctions have hit Iran's economy, but its leaders have refused to scale down the nuclear program.

In the latest step, The European Union put a ban against purchase of Iranian oil in force on July 1. EU purchases accounted for 18 percent of Iran's oil exports.