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By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2010 – Iran may be capable of striking the
United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2015,
according to a Defense Department report submitted to Congress
yesterday.

The unclassified analysis outlines near-term and longer-term threats
posed by Iran, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its desire to
extend its influence in the Middle East.

“With sufficient foreign
assistance,” the report states, “Iran could probably develop and test an
intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United
States by 2015.”

The report states that central to Iran’s
“deterrent strategy” is its pursuit of a nuclear program that could
potentially move it closer to developing a nuclear weapon. Iran contends
that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes.

“Iran’s
nuclear program and its willingness to keep open the possibility of
developing nuclear weapons is a central part of its deterrent strategy,”
the report says.

The department’s release of the analysis comes
on the heels of the Nuclear Security Summit and testimony by the
Pentagon’s top policy chief, who last week said the... >>>