U.S. condemns Iran's missile test

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Wednesday condemned Iran's test of a long-range missile, saying the test undermined its claims of peaceful intentions.

A video grab image shows Iran test-firing its Sejil-2 missile. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

"These kinds of tests generally undermine Iran's claims of peaceful intentions," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters at the daily press briefing, adding that such actions "will increase the seriousness and resolve of the international community to hold Iran accountable for its continued defiance of its international obligations."

Earlier in the day, Iran has successfully test-fired optimized version of home-made Sejil 2 missile, which is capable of hitting Israel and U.S. bases in southeastern Europe with a range of about 2,000 kilometers.

"This is just the latest in a series of provocative actions by Iran, all seemingly oblivious to the scrutiny of the international community or perhaps more likely in spite of it," Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell told reporters.

The United States, its European allies and Israel claim that Iran's nuclear program and missile program are aimed at developing nuclear weapons, while the UN Security Council also requires Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activity.

However, Iran insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes, and continues its uranium enrichment activity despite the pressure from the western countries and relevant resolutions and sanctions of the United Nations.