Iran recently announced that it tested a new long-range
surface-to-surface missile, called the Sejil, with a range of 1200
miles. The announcement of the test came a day after Iranian media
reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps had test another new
missile, called the Samen, near the Iraqi border.
U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesman Robert Wood expressed concern
over the news that Iran is continuing to test ballistic missiles:
(ACT :12 - DALET/POLICY/ACTUALITIES) "We'll have discussions with
our friends and allies about how we can put further pressure on the
Iranians to stop carrying out these missile tests because they are not
good for stability in the region." (END ACT)
For years, Iran has been pursuing ballistic missiles of ever
increasing range. Its Shahab-3 missile has a range of 800 miles, and
Iranian officials have publicly stated that they are working to
significantly improve its range. Iran claims that the Sejil could reach
U.S. friends and allies from the Middle East to southeastern Europe,
and a longer-range missile, such as an extended version of the
Shahab-3, would threaten even more of Europe.
White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said that Iran's leaders
"should refrain from further missile tests if they seek to gain the
trust of the world. . . .The Iranian regime," he said, "only furthers
the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community
when it engages in this sort of activity."
