Iran has test-fired nine missiles, raising concern that some of the weapons could reach Israel and other U.S. allies.
Washington condemned Wednesday's missile tests,
but U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the tests did not bring
the U.S. any closer to a military confrontation with Iran.
A top Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander, Hossein Salami said
the military exercise demonstrated Iran's strength against its
"enemies." It followed strong warnings from Tehran against potential
attacks by the United States and Israel over Iran's nuclear activities.
World powers suspect Iran is trying to make nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
The U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs, William Burns,
told lawmakers in Washington today that Iran has made only modest
progress on its nuclear program.
He said United Nations sanctions have impaired Iran's ability to procure nuclear technology or items of significance.