国际英语新闻：News Analysis: Tensions mount in Mideast as Iran test-fires missiles

BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran has successfully test-fired both medium- and long-range missiles in two consecutive days, in what many analysts described as a move to trigger grave concerns over stability in the region.

    By testing a long-range missile capable of reaching targets in Israel as well as U.S. military facilities in the region, Iran has delivered a signal that it is capable of hitting back in case of an Israeli or U.S. attack, analysts say.

A video grab from Al Alam television shows one of nine long- and medium-range missiles being fired during a test in Iran July 9, 2008.

SENSITIVE TIME?

    The missile tests came just a day after the United States had signed a defense shield agreement with the Czech Republic, a sensitive time which may spark many speculations on what's Iran's real intention behind the tests.

    Washington claimed the installation of a radar base on Czech soil was designed to protect most of its European allies from the threat of long-range missiles fired by "rogue states" such as Iran.

    In order to effectively eliminate the Iran threat, the United States are also thrashing out ways to deploy missiles in Poland, who said an agreement with Washington has not been finalized yet.

    Iran's missile tests also lend U.S. an excuse of persuading other countries such as Russia the necessity of expanding its missile defense system in Europe.

    U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice vowed after the Iran tests that Tehran should have no doubt about the U.S. commitment to defending its allies from possible attacks.

    "We are also sending a message to Iran that we will defend American interests and ... the interests of our allies," she said.

    But the defense shield plan has drawn fierce opposition from Russia, which says the U.S. system would undermine both the Europe and Russia's security.