Iran launches medium-range missile test
Iran conducted tests of a medium-range ballistic missile with enough range to target Israel, parts of Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, US State Department sopkesman James Rubin confirmed.
Although he emphasized that he is "not in a position to tell" if the missile exploded or not, "this kind of a test is bad news."
Rubin said that the development of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction are key issues raising "profound concerns" with the US administration.
The question is "Will Iran prusue policies that don't threaten its neighbors and the world?" Rubin said. He spoke of having "direct talks" with Iran in order to "express our concern" over the tests.
US efforts have concentrated in the past on preventing other countries from providing Iran with technology that would assist in developing these kinds of weapons. US concern now is over enhancing these capabilities. Israel had called on China not to assist Iran, and is extremely concerned about Iranian efforts. Israel's national infrastructure minister Ariel Sharon is currently in China, where Israel seeks better military relations. Israel it was reported is providing China with advanced missile technology in order to gain favor with this Asian power house that has nuclear as well as long range technology that is sought by many countries.
Iran's efforts fall within efforts to enhance self reliance that have pervaded many aspects of its internal industry. These efforts have been successful and include the ability to manufacture a variety of items that equip Iran with the ability to pursue its military modernization program. A recent report on ballistic missile threats by the US indicated that Iran is making great progress and working feverishly on its advanced military programs, and has acquired the ability to "hide" effectively its efforts from US intelligence monitoring due to the use of such items as the use of fiber optics for communication and the availability of large drilling machinery that make it possible to construct effective underground facilities.