U.S. Analyzes Latest Iran Missile Threat

U.S. Calls On Iran To Cease Further Tests; Says Missile Defense Shield Needed

(CBS/ AP)  The U.S. Defense Department on Wednesday studied intelligence on Iran's latest missile test to figure out exactly what was launched and what it shows about Tehran's missile capabilities.

The White House called on Iran to refrain from any more tests. And Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the tests were more evidence of the need for the U.S. missile defense system.

It will remain unclear how significant the test was until it is fully analyzed, said Defense Department officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about the ongoing assessment.

Analysts said an early assessment showed that U.S. tracking systems detected seven missile launches, including a version of Tehran's longer-range Shahab-3, which officials have said has a range of 1,250 miles.

If true, that would put several key U.S. allies within range: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, parts of Eastern Europe and Israel - Iran's number one enemy, reports CBS News Chief Foreign Affairs correspondent Lara Logan.

"It's ideally suited for attacking targets in Israel. It's got just the range you need for it," John Pike of Global Security told CBS News.

Intelligence analysts were studying data from radar, satellites and other tracking systems to determine the distance it traveled, look at its accuracy and so on, one official said.

Gates said he had not been informed whether the test showed a capability beyond what the U.S. already has seen from Iran.

Nevertheless he said: "I think this certainly addresses the doubts raised by the Russians that the Iranians won't have a longer-range ballistic missile for 10 years to 20 years.

"The fact is they've just tested a missile that has pretty extended range," Gates said.

Analysts assessed that the launches were part of what they called "troop training." That is, the test came during Iran's "Noble Prophet" exercise - an exercise also held twice in 2006, each time including multiple missile launches.

One defense official said it appeared to be the latest volley - a "tit-for-tat" - in recent escalating threats and counter-threats between Israel and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program. The Israeli military last month held a military exercise that some officials suggested was practice for the possibility of bombing Iranian nuclear facilities; the U.S. and allies on Tuesday ended a five-day exercise on protecting oil infrastructure in the Gulf.

Gates said that while there is a "lot of signaling going on" with the rising rhetoric, he said he does not think the U.S. is closer to a confrontation with Tehran. And he repeated that the Bush administration strategy is to focus on "the diplomatic and economic approach to dealing with Iran," rather than using military force.

Iran says the program is for energy and the U.S. and others allege it is to develop nuclear weapons.

In Congress, Undersecretary of State William Burns said Iran is trying to foster the perception that its nuclear program is advancing.

But Iran's "real progress has been more modest," Burns said in testimony to a House committee. Iran has not yet perfected uranium enrichment and U.N. sanctions have hurt its ability to obtain technology for missile programs, he said.

Committee Chairman Howard Berman, a Democrat, said that "stopping Iran's nuclear threat is our most urgent strategic challenge."

"No one knows precisely when Iran will produce a nuclear bomb," Berman said in his opening statement. "But it will be soon."

A White House spokesman called Wednesday's tests "completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world."

"They should also refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council, said in Japan where President George W. Bush is attending the Group of Eight summit.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on a visit to Malaysia, told a news conference Tuesday that the U.S. and Israel were "focusing on propaganda and psychological war."

"Before, it would be considered as a serious issue," he said, speaking through an interpreter. But Iranians are so used to the threats that they now treat it as a "very funny show. ... These type of wars are considered as a funny joke."

He added, "I assure you that there won't be any war in the future."

But even as Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials have dismissed the possibility of attack, Tehran has stepped up its warnings of retaliation if the Americans - or Israelis - do launch military action, including threats to hit Israel and U.S. Gulf bases with missiles and stop oil traffic through the vital Gulf region.

On Tuesday, Rice and Czech counterpart Karel Schwarzenberg signed a deal allowing the U.S. to base anti-missile defenses in the Czech Republic. The system would place radar interceptors there and missiles in Poland.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters that Iran "has an active missile program as is evidenced by these launches today and it underscores the importance of pursuing a number of different tracks to deal with various threats emanating from Iran." He said a missile defense system is one way and diplomatic efforts at ending Tehran's nuclear program is another.

[jpwalsh123]

I thought they said the world was a safer place because of the irag invasion and the removal of Saddam.

[bluestardad]

THEY CANT HIT AMERICA!

WHY IS THIS IN THE NEWS?

THE ISRAELI RUN AMERICAN MEDIA THAT IS WHY!

[whiskyrocker]

Iran does not have a chance against the U.S.,but could be some trouble for Israel. This guy is just blowing smoke up our A$$

[sidvicious62]

How can any of us be sure about what anybody says anymore? Huh? After seeing this fiasco called politics. Its no wonder the worlds so ******** up. Noth''n they say. Noth''n.

[ajmarine111]

I thought they said the world was a safer place because of the irag invasion and the removal of Saddam.


Posted by liamys at 06:07 AM : Jul 09, 2008



Remember the axis of evil?...........Iran is still on that list.

[ahrats]

Iran now has the missiles they just need the bomb. North Korea has the same thing but at least they are willing to give up the bomb. Imagine if Iran sells both to any local terriorist group. This is a real threat to world peace and does the U.S. just sit by and let it happen? the U.S. may not be directly threatened by this but Iran has already said they would attack our facilities in the area. If this isn''t a terriorist threat I do not know what is.

[u-r-right]

Looks to me like we spent all our money on the wrong threat. Yes, this is a real threat but it''s time the International community steps up and takes a more proactive role in this one. We can no longer afford to police the world alone.

[aztecdakota]

Didn''t we save Iran from Iraq some years back? Shouldn''t we be friends then? What is oil this about?

[bagdadshere2]

"Iran Test-Fires Long, Short-Range Missiles
Launched From Strait Of Hormuz; Calls It Reply To U.S., Israeli Threats"

I"ve seen this story before with SADDAM HUSSEIN and everyone knows how it ends. The Iranian people will suffer a destruction they are not asking for and AHMADINEJAD , if we catch him, will be sent to gallows.

[bagdadshere2]

"Iran Test-Fires Long, Short-Range Missiles
Launched From Strait Of Hormuz; Calls It Reply To U.S., Israeli Threats"

Thats why I"ve said that we will have to nuke IRAN in the next few months. They have a lot of blind missiles that can cause a lot of damage so we must nuke them first.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Didn''''t we save Iran from Iraq some years back? Shouldn''''t we be friends then? What is oil this about?"
Posted by oledakota

Exactly the opposite. The US, angry that their puppet, Shah Reza Pahlavi was overthrown, and replaced by hardline Islam cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni, goaded Iraq into attacking Iran, which led to an 8-year war, with the US supposedly on the side of Saddam''s Iraq.

That is, until Saddam figured out that via the Iran-contra scandal, the US, using Ollie North as the broker, was also selling weapons to Iran.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

[bagdadshere2]

Take a look at the photo above. These Iranian missiles remind me those old Soviet missiles. They are blind missiles and are fired randomly but can cause damage so we must strike first with a nuclear missile.

[sidvicious62]

"With friends like that, who needs enemies?"

No wonder he was a socialist.

[floydzepp2]

Take a look at the photo above. These Iranian missiles remind me those old Soviet missiles. They are blind missiles and are fired randomly but can cause damage so we must strike first with a nuclear missile.

Posted by BagdadsHere2 at 07:10 AM : Jul 09, 2008
------------

Dude, that dream is over. Besides, you''re the one who help Saddam build roads.

[bladan58z]

The Irani missiles use sophisticated Russian satellite technology. Tehran could launch high into the sky and drop a warhead on Israel. If the Iranis fired ten missiles, only about five would be intercepted. When any of the five strike a target (a Jewish city) all the people would be killed like Nagasaki.

[bagdadshere2]

"Didn''''''''t we save Iran from Iraq some years back? Shouldn''''''''t we be friends then? What is oil this about?"
Posted by oledakota
------------------------------------

When did we save Iran from Iraq? I dont remember.

[idnnsg]

I was going to comment that this action by Iran will not have the intended psychological effect because sane people already understand that war with Iran is a very bad idea (so they don''t need to be dissuaded) and the fear-based, war-mongering imbeciles of this world will see this as a threat and demand immediate death and destruction for all, to keep us all "safe". Lo and behold, this stu.pid.ity from one of our killers:

"Thats why I''ve said that we will have to nuke IRAN in the next few months. They have a lot of blind missiles that can cause a lot of damage so we must nuke them first." - BhagdadsHere2

[brianbwb-2009]

"I"ve seen this story before with SADDAM HUSSEIN and everyone knows how it ends. The Iranian people will suffer a destruction they are not asking for and AHMADINEJAD , if we catch him, will be sent to gallows."
Posted by BagdadsHere2

Your story is missing a few details, like the part where Iraq was already devastated by "desert storm," and unable to mount even a token defense, whereas Iran has not been "softened up", and thus will not be as easy a proposition as Iraq.

Also Iraq had no ability to close the straits of hormuz, choking off the oil supply (even temporarily) sending oil prices to double their current prices, and sending the US into economic collapse.

Also the war mongers have no lies to tell that would justify a legal commencement of military hostilities, as there is no "clear and present danger" to US land or citizens.

Also, the US body count will be far greater than Iraq. Using nuclear weapons will not kill them all, and those who survive will be extremely motivated, and justified to resist the US aggression, which would make the US a pariah in the international community.

The consequences of your thinking will be too much for the US to bear, it will result in the economic collapse of the US, within a month of the commencement of hostilities.

[bagdadshere2]

The Irani missiles use sophisticated Russian satellite technology. Tehran could launch high into the sky and drop a warhead on Israel. If the Iranis fired ten missiles, only about five would be intercepted. When any of the five strike a target (a Jewish city) all the people would be killed like Nagasaki.

Posted by bladan58Z at 07:16 AM : Jul 09, 2008
-------------------------------------

The Irani missiles use sophisticated Russian satellite technology???????????????That was funny. Theres nothing sophisticated made in Russia. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

[floydzepp2]

Posted by BagdadsHere2 at 07:21 AM : Jul 09, 2008
----------

Poor buddy, your dream is over. The Dems are kicking your butt, the terrorists are kicking your butt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan are kicking your but.

Poor RINOLosers. HAHAHAHAHA!!

[sidvicious62]

"The Irani missiles use sophisticated Russian satellite technology. Tehran could launch high into the sky and drop a warhead on Israel. If the Iranis fired ten missiles, only about five would be intercepted. When any of the five strike a target (a Jewish city) all the people would be killed like Nagasaki."

They''d be doing the world a favor git''n rid of that dome.

[idnnsg]

"Remember the axis of evil?...........Iran is still on that list." - AJMarine111

Remember the ''axis of evil''? N. Korea got off that list by out-smarting the id.iot chimp in charge! So, what was the REAL basis for that list?

Bush''s list of "evil-doers" was just a gimmick to work you mo.rons into a lather so you''d be happy to die serving his oil buddies and war profiteers.

[bagdadshere2]

Also Iraq had no ability to close the straits of hormuz, choking off the oil supply (even temporarily) sending oil prices to double their current prices, and sending the US into economic collapse.

Posted by brianbwb at 07:19 AM : Jul 09, 2008

-----------------------------------
If we go to war with IRAN I can keep my car in the garage a few months. We cant surrender to Iranian nuclear blackmail, besides if a nuclear missile falls from the sky right where those nuts AYATOLLAHS are meeting would solve the problem, without leaders the Iranians would give up the nuclear ambitions.
Remember Abu Musabi Al-Zarqawi? He was sleeping when a 200 pounds bomb hit his house.

[floydzepp2]

If we go to war with IRAN...........
-----------

Sorry baggyboy. It''ll never happen. What ahoot.

[brianbwb-2009]

"The Irani missiles use sophisticated Russian satellite technology. Tehran could launch high into the sky and drop a warhead on Israel. If the Iranis fired ten missiles, only about five would be intercepted. When any of the five strike a target (a Jewish city) all the people would be killed like Nagasaki." Posted by bladan58Z

The flaw in your reasoning is that you assume Iran has nuclear warheads, which even the IEC says they don''t, and won''t for at least another ten years. Nagasaki was leveled by a nuclear explosion, and even then it did not kill all of the victims.

Also, the Israeli and the Japanese have already demonstrated that they can intercept missiles with high accuracy, it is doubtful that even one missile could get through.

At least, if Iran launches, they will give absolute reason to be considered hostile, and all countries within range of their missiles would end that threat, there is still no reason that we should be involved in matters that are none of our business, remember, our constitution requires proof of "clear and present danger" to the US, and not anyone else.

Iran''s 1 ton conventional warhead is like a firecracker compared to the half megaton warheads that hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, there is no similarity whatsoever.

[trishab4]

CBS: Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli Cabinet minister, set off an international uproar last month by saying in a published interview that Israel would have "no choice" but to attack Iran if it doesn''t halt its nuclear program. Mofaz is a former military chief and defense minister, and has been Israel''s representative in a strategic dialogue on Iran with U.S. officials.

-Does Shaul Mofaz, who happens to be an of Iranian Descent Israeli, call his cousin Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to discuss strategy in order to jack up the Oil Price? Both idiots and both their people should remove them from power. They both are irresponsible clowns playing with their citizens'' life!

[underdogus01]

Ahmadinejad your days are numbered.......

[floydzepp2]

Ahmadinejad your days are numbered.......

Posted by underdogus01 at 07:31 AM : Jul 09, 2008
--------------

But not by the US. No war. No Invasion. Sorry. Request denied.

[underdogus01]

FloydZepp2 turbanboy prepare yourself for the unthinkable: WAR AGAINST IRAN MAY BE A NECESSITY!!

[brianbwb-2009]

"Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli Cabinet minister, set off an international uproar last month by saying in a published interview that Israel would have "no choice" but to attack Iran if it doesn''t halt its nuclear program. Mofaz is a former military chief and defense minister, and has been Israel''s representative in a strategic dialogue on Iran with U.S. officials."

That would make it an Israel-Iran problem, and no reason that US soldiers should be involved.

[chimpyout]

So "the White House" determines which actions are consistent or inconsistent with "Iran''s obligations to the world?" More silly lectures from self righteous imbeciles.
But, seriously, Dinny, you''d better watch it. You''re already a corner of the "axis of evil" as decreed by the Chimp in Chief. If you don''t watch your step, Congolisa is going to designate you an "outpost of tyranny." C''mon, shape up, be a "beacon of freedom."

[mcvet]

Ahmadinejad your days are numbered.......

Posted by underdogus01 at 07:31 AM : Jul 09, 2008


Uh Huh? You bettcha!! ROFLMAO IF we don''t get the fascist republican''s out of office YOU''D better get used to a LOT more of the same Sparky. YOU DO know that the Enemy that attacked us is rebuilt and as strong as ever don''t you?? I''d say the situation in the Middle East?? Well I think BUTT WHOOPIN is putting it two mildly.. Bush and his "Plan"... the SAME "Plan" supported by McSame... well FAILURE is the best way to describe it when this President visits the nation YOU call the "Front" in your War in open day light without helmets and flack jackets and YOUR guys have to fly in under cover of dark... YEP that pretty well describe FAILURE better than anything at hand. SIEG HEIL BUSH

[brianbwb-2009]

"If we go to war with IRAN I can keep my car in the garage a few months. We cant surrender to Iranian nuclear blackmail, besides if a nuclear missile falls from the sky right where those nuts AYATOLLAHS are meeting would solve the problem, without leaders the Iranians would give up the nuclear ambitions.
Remember Abu Musabi Al-Zarqawi? He was sleeping when a 200 pounds bomb hit his house." Posted by BagdadsHere2

Your car will be permanently "garaged" because the collapse of the US economy will mean that there will be hyperinflation, the cost of food, clothing, and fuel hits unaffordable levels, power grids will not get fuel to run, public (and most private) transportation will halt, your grocery stores will be looted, and unable to restock, and the usual local mafias will war to establish local control over the remnants of what used to be your town.

Don''t forget, Iran has family members in the US, who, even though they ran from their country, will not take kindly to their relatives who didn''t make it out, being vaporized.

And you seem to think that some people squabbling on the other side of the world is worth it...

Btw, how are the Iranians "blackmailing" us?

[underdogus01]

That would make it an Israel-Iran problem, and no reason that US soldiers should be involved.. Posted by brianbwb really? for your info ISRAEL is a DEMOCRACY!!! we will defend Israel end of story..now go back to your Al-Jazeera network

[joeblack11]

watch out israel ...times to squeeze your candy tail....

[perceptions5]

In the on-going series of Flip Flops by Obama...

A couple of months ago he called the Iran threat "tiny".

Today he''s saying the threat from Iran is "great".

I think this lastest flip flop now makes him the "mother of all flip floppers" and today it will be announce that John, I rich your not, Kerry will past the "Flip Flop torch" to Obama.

Obama....say no to a Jimmy Carter second term.

If I were a Hillary supporter I''d really be pissed. Obama is trying to "slide" to the center in positions that Hillary supported and at the time Obama condemned.................strange guy.

[Mccarthyaw]

for your info ISRAEL is a DEMOCRACY!!! we will defend Israel end of story..now go back to your Al-Jazeera network


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by underdogus01 at 07:47 AM : Jul 09, 2008

What kind of reasoning is that?

[joeblack11]

No we will not defend anyone but ourselves...get it duggy ....IF YOU ARE so concerned about israel ...kindly move there ...so your doggy tail can be put on fire ......

[whiskyrocker]

perceptions5

If Obama is elected this country is finished.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Israel''s military sent warplanes over the eastern Mediterranean for a large military exercise in June that U.S. officials described as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran''s nuclear facilities, which the West fears are aimed at producing atomic weapons."

The West?

The IAEA has concluded that Iran has no nuclear weapons, and since they are representatives of many "west" countries, how does the author of this article substantiate this claim?

[joeblack11]

we have enough problems ...we don''t need anymore....

[brianbwb-2009]

"for your info ISRAEL is a DEMOCRACY!!! we will defend Israel end of story..now go back to your Al-Jazeera network" Posted by underdogus01

They are nor our democracy, they pay no taxes, it''s people are not US citizens, and so the US constitution says you are wrong.

If you feel that Israel needs your help defending itself, then go there and help defend them, Me and mine are not obligated to the defense of any other country than our own.

[whitemale08]

Posted by perceptions5 at 07:51 AM : Jul 09, 2008-

Obama said "threat tiny...in comparison to the Soviete Union."

That is true! The Soviete Union was a much greater threat then these small countries like Iran, Venezuela etc. Even your beloved Ronnie sayed that the Soviet Union was a huge "EVIL EMPIRE"

So go back to listening to your talking points from junkyard dogs like Sean Hannity. Even Rush Limbaugh understood what he said which is why he doesn''t stoop to that level of stupidity.

Come on Republicans! You''re smatter then this!

[joeblack11]

CBS messaging service is the best ...ABC sucks...

[brianbwb-2009]

"If Obama is elected this country is finished." Posted by whiskyrocker

Then get ready for the end, because if McSame gets in, we are also finished, the difference being McSame will bring about our demise much sooner.

[impeach__w]

9 more we don''t have to worry about. These are inaccurate liquid fueled models with small payloads. They are never "always ready to fire", were meant for small nukes that Iran doesn''t posses.
They could put some WMD on them but then their own destruction by Isreal would be automatic.
I''m Not scared.
An Iran response is just what Isreal wants from the US after they remove their nuke installations. How does nov 26-27 sound to you guys??

[brianbwb-2009]

"Come on Republicans! You''''re smatter then this!" Posted by whitemale08

Apparently not.

[underdogus01]

1938WW2..2008WW3 LIBERALS,IRAN,HOMOSEXUALS,TREE HUGGERS,COWARDS,AND TRAITORS!! GET READY!! Mr Bush install martial law,concentration camps,and the draft now!!

[brianbwb-2009]

"There is a junction of events here that will not simply fade away. You don''''t have to like it but if you don''''t see the inevitabilities, you may be living on another planet." Posted by sincityq

Not that we might not see it, but it is just that we have no reason to be a part of it. this is between Iran and Israel, your family and friends (and mine) have no need to die.

[whitemale08]

I love it when you Republicans call in to these SMEAR shows like Sean Hannity and you can''t see the game he''s playing.

They meat-head purposely selects words from Obama to make it seems like he flip-flops or doesn''t know what he''s talking about.

Sean Hannity knows that the avereage "white working class" so called "bitter Americans" do not have a vast vocabulary or rhetorical skills like Obama. So therefore Hannity plays on that and uses it in his smear games.

You don''t listen carefully to what Obama is saying because you''re listening for an excuse instead of listening at the full context of what he''s saying.

But even when W says something rhetorical that makes no sense then Hannity is there to fully qualify and explain what the President says.


"You''re a Great American". Give me a break!