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Iran missile test has message for US, Israel
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-10 16:11 "Those who say that there is no Iranian missile threat against which we should build a missile defense system perhaps ought to talk to the Iranians about their claims," Rice said while traveling in Sofia, Bulgaria. On Tuesday, Rice and Czech counterpart Karel Schwarzenberg signed a deal allowing the US to base a missile defense shield in the Czech Republic. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the test bolsters the US argument that Tehran is a threat and a missile defense system is needed in Europe. A White House spokesman called the tests "completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world" and said they further isolate the country. Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council, speaking from Japan where President Bush is attending the Group of Eight summit. US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Iran's missile tests highlight the need for direct diplomacy as well as tougher threats of economic sanctions and strong incentives to persuade Tehran to change its behavior. John McCain, the Republican seeking the US presidency, said the tests demonstrate a need for effective missile defense, including missile defense in Europe and the defense system the US plans with the Czech Republic and Poland. Oil prices rose Wednesday on news of the tests, along with a US government report showing crude stockpiles fell more than expected. Light, sweet crude for August delivery rose $1.50 to $137.54 a barrel in early afternoon trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Israeli defense officials said there were no major surprises in the latest Iranian missile tests. The officials said they appeared to be more of an exercise in psychological warfare than a breakthrough in military technology. "Israel does not desire hostility and conflict with Iran," Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said. "But it is clear that the Iranian nuclear program and the Iranian ballistic missile program is a matter of grave concern." The test could also be aimed to show the West there cannot be a military solution to the standoff with Iran over its nuclear ambitions. Iran denies US accusations it seeks to build nuclear weapons, and earlier this week it sent a response to a Western package of economic incentives aimed at pushing it to halt uranium enrichment. EU officials have said they are still evaluating the response, but Tehran has insisted it will not suspend enrichment. Iranian leaders have said they don't believe the US or Israel will attack, citing US problems in Iraq and the effect on already soaring oil prices. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday called the idea of an attack a "funny joke." But at the same time, Iran has been more vocal in warning of the fallout of any US or Israeli strike. The semi-official Fars news agency, which is believed to be close to the Revolutionary Guards, reported details on the missiles tested Wednesday, saying they included a "newly upgraded" Shahab-3, first tested in its longest-range version in 2004. The Shehab-3 tested Wednesday has been designed with a "cluster" warhead, that allows it to release multiple bombs over a wider area, Fars said, without elaborating. It also boasts a more accurate navigational system that allows a control room to bring the missile back on route if it strays or destroy it if it goes too far off course, it said. The other missiles tested included the Zelzal, versions of which have a range of 130-185 miles, and the Fateh, with a range of 105 miles. |
