Iran, with assistance from Russia and other states, is developing a long-range missile that would give it the ability to strike NATO countries in Europe, a senior U.S. administration official said.
The Shihab-4 missile would have a 1,250-mile range, putting it within reach of Italy, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Greece, according to the official.
This development is worrisome to U.S. officials because Iran has been viewed by the State Department as the world's most active “terrorist” country.
Despite the emerging capability, an Iranian attack against American allies in Europe is considered highly unlikely because most of these countries maintain normal ties with Tehran.
Older generation Iranian missiles, including the Shihab-3, have shorter ranges and are capable of reaching Israel, Turkey and U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia.
The senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AP, said Iran's military buildup cannot be justified as a defense against neighbor and longtime rival Iraq, pointing out that the missiles Iran is developing could fly well beyond Iraq.
A CIA report issued this year said Iran has been receiving missile equipment, technology and related expertise from Russia, North Korea and China.
Russia's role in assisting Iran seems at odds with the strong expressions of friendship and confidence Washington and Moscow have been demonstrating toward each other lately.
The mutual regard was evident last week during the visit to Washington of Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and is expected to be on display when President Bush travels to Moscow on May 23 for a summit meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
”We're concerned that Russian technology and expertise is helping Iran to increase the accuracy and distance of their missiles, and that Russian technology and expertise is helping Iran develop fissile material,'' the official said. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
