On the recordJuly 23, 1998
Well, we've been following this for some time. And we knew that Iran was attempting to develop this capability. It's just a test. But if they--obviously, if they were to develop an intermediate range missile, it could change the regional stability dynamics in the Middle East. And that's why we've worked so hard with North Korea and with others to try to get them not to transfer missiles and missile technology to Iran. If we do continue to have an opening of relations, because the new President seems more open to it, obviously this is one of the things I would raise with him. We've been very concerned about this. And we believe that the future of the Middle East would be better if they'd invest more money, all those countries, in something other than military technology. So we're very, very concerned about it, but not surprised by it.
Source
govinfo.gov




