July 9, 2008 - U.S. House Armed Services Committee member Trent Franks (R-AZ) today condemned Iran’s test of a long-range missile that could reach U.S. allies in the Middle East and Europe.  According to press reports, Iran test-fired a Shahab-3 long-range missile and several shorter-range missiles.

“Iran is the most active state sponsor and exporter of terrorism in the world.  Iran’s leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has continually called for the destruction of our ally, Israel; and under his leadership, the current Iranian regime continues to supply weapons, training, and expertise to insurgents and terrorists operating against our troops in Iraq.  As demonstrated today, Iran continues to enhance the capabilities of its ballistic missile fleet, holding U.S. interests in Southern Europe, the Persian Gulf, and South Asia at risk of an attack, and is pursuing an aggressive uranium enrichment program capable of producing fuel for nuclear weapons.

“The tests this morning underscore the Islamic Republic of Iran’s threat to global security. For the sake of peace worldwide, free nations must develop a more robust stance against Iran, and we must continue to strongly encourage our friends in the Czech Republic and Poland to assure that the proposed European missile defense site becomes a reality.”