Iran missile launch renews urgency

WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- The head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency says Iran's recent missile launch proves the value of deploying a controversial missile defense system.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry Obering said Tuesday that Iran's launch of several different missiles, including one with more than 1,200 miles of target range, is an example of the importance of the missile defense system deployed in Eastern Europe and in the United States, the Missile Defense Agency reported.

Officials say the Iranian Ashura long-range ballistic missiles are capable of targeting cities such as Athens, along with easily reaching Israeli and U.S. bases around the Middle East. Obering called the missile developments in Iran a threat.

Since 2001 Missile Defense Agency officials say there have been 35 successful intercepts in 43 attempts during testing of the defense system. Despite some political progress on Eastern European missile defense system installations, the topic remains controversial.

"We need to protect the United States and then to expand that protection for our deployed forces and our allies and friends in the European theater," Obering said.