Tests show Iran's missiles unable to reach U.S. - Russia's NATO envoy [View All]

[Purveyor]

MOSCOW, September 29 (RIA Novosti) - Iran's recent missile launches have demonstrated that the missiles pose no threat to the U.S., Russia's envoy to NATO Dmitry Rogozin has said.

Russia has consistently opposed the plans of the Bush administration to deploy missile shield elements in Central Europe to defend against potential strikes from Iran. Iran's national media said on Monday the country had test launched the longest-range missile in its arsenal, capable of striking Israel and parts of Europe.

"The rockets theoretically are able to hit targets in the Middle East. They are unable to reach the U.S.," Rogozin said in an interview with the Vesti TV channel, adding that Iran has no technological facilities to build such missiles.

The U.S. earlier described the missile launches "provocative" and called on the Islamic Republic to return to the negotiating table.

The Russian diplomat also said that if the U.S. is concerned about Iran's missile program, "they should deploy their missile defense in the south, in the Mediterranean Sea."



RIA NOVOSTI: http://en.rian.ru/world/20090929/156282317.html