Sejil 2 long-range missile puts Israel, US bases within reach..........
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The White House said on 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.
"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.
Iran successfully test-fired a long-range, improved Sejil 2 missile on Wednesday, state television reported.
Al Alam, Iran's Arabic-language satellite television, said the Sejil missile had a longer range than the Shahab missile, which Iranian officials in the past said can reach targets up to 2,000 km (1,250 miles) away.
That would put Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf within reach.
The missile test coincides with increased tension over Iran's nuclear program, which the West fears is aimed at making bombs. Iran denies the charge.
Neither Israel nor the United States have ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the dispute. Iran has vowed to retaliate for any attack.
Press TV, Iran's English-language television station, said about Wednesday's test: "The missile hit its target."
Al Alam said it was a two-stage, solid fuel missile.
The test came a day after the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation to impose sanctions on foreign companies that help to supply gasoline to Iran, a measure lawmakers hope would deter Tehran from pursuing its nuclear work.
Iran has repeatedly shrugged off the impact of such punitive measures that include three rounds of limited U.N. sanctions since 2006.
In September, Iran test-fired missiles which a commander said could reach any regional target. The White House branded those tests "provocative" and reiterated demands that Iran come clean on its nuclear program.
Washington suspects Iran is trying to develop nuclear bomb capability and has previously expressed concern about Tehran's missile program. Iran, a major oil producer, says its nuclear work is solely for generating peaceful electricity.
The United States and five other major countries said on Tuesday that a planned meeting with Iran about its nuclear program will not take place this year because of scheduling conflicts, although talks will continue by telephone.
In October, negotiators offered a deal under which Iran would send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad by the end of the year for further enrichment. However, Tehran has backed away from it, raising the prospect of additional sanctions.
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