target practice

Iran just test-fired some long-range missiles in response to warnings from the G8, reports the IHT:

The missile tests drew a sharp response Wednesday from the United States.

Gordon Johndroe, the deputy White House press secretary, said in a statement at the Group of 8 summit meeting in Japan that Iran’s development of ballistic missiles was a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity,” Johndroe said.

He urged Iran to “refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world. The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon immediately.”

The missile tests were reported after the Group of 8 leaders urged Iran to suspend uranium enrichment. Moreover, Iran displayed its military capability just a day after the United States and the Czech Republic signed an accord to allow the Pentagon to deploy part of its controversial ballistic missile shield, which Washington maintains is designed in part to protect against Iranian missiles.

Here’s a picture of their range, from the BBC: