US President Barack Obama
Photo:AP
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Photo: AP
UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown
Photo: AP
White House: Iran missile test undermines trust
Western powers concerned over Tehran's apparent successful test of Sejil-2 surface-to-surface missile. 'Tests only undermine Iran's claims of peaceful intentions,' says White House spokesman
The White House said Wednesday that Iran's test of an upgraded missile undermines its insistence of peaceful intentions and will be looked upon seriously by the world.
"At a time when the international community has offered Iran opportunities to begin to build trust and confidence, Iran's missile tests only undermine Iran's claims of peaceful intentions," White House spokesman Mike Hammer said.
Thumbing their Nose
Islamic republic's Arabic-language satellite television says tested missile has longer range than Shahab, which Iranian officials have said can reach targets 2,000 kilometers away, putting Israel and US bases in Gulf within reach
"Such actions will increase the seriousness and resolve of the international community to hold Iran accountable for its continued defiance of its international obligations on its nuclear program," he said.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said that Tehran may face harsher sanctions over its latest missile test: “This is a matter of serious concern to the international community and it does make the case for us moving further on sanctions.”
Earlier, the German government said that Iran's medium-range missile test was "alarming" and did little to rebuild the confidence of the international community over its controversial nuclear program.
The reports from Iran are alarming,"a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said. "This is not a step that rebuilds trust."
The international community was stunned to learn Wednesday that Iran had conducted yet another successful test of the upgraded Sejil-2 surface-to-surface missile.
Sejil-2 is a two-phase, solid fuel missile with a range of about 1,243 miles, putting both Israel and US military bases in the Persian Gulf at striking distance.
The test followed a favorable US House vote calling to impose new economic sanctions on Iran.
The legislation, approved Tuesday 412-12, would end access to US markets for foreign companies selling refined petroleum products to Iran or helping that country develop its petroleum capacity.
World powers fear Tehran's uranium enrichment program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Iran maintains it is enriching uranium only to meet its civilian energy needs.
Reuters and AFP contributed to this report
