U.S. official - Iran working on missile to reach Europe

WASHINGTON -- Iran, with an assist from Russia and other countries, is developing a long-range missile that would give it the ability to strike NATO countries in Europe, a senior administration official says.

The Shahab-4 missile would initially have a 1,250-mile range but anticipated upgrades would allow it to reach Italy, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Greece, according to the official.

The development is worrisome to U.S. officials because Iran has been viewed by the State Department as the world's most active terrorist country.

President Bush has identified Iran among three "axis of evil" members, with Iraq and North Korea.

Despite the emerging capability, an Iranian attack against American allies in Europe is considered highly unlikely because most of these countries maintain normal ties with Tehran, which they believe can help moderate Iran's behavior.

Older generation Iranian missiles, including the Shahab-3, have shorter ranges and are capable of reaching Israel, Turkey and U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia.

A U.S. defense official said Tuesday the Shahab-3 has a mixed record in tests and isn't thought to be completely reliable.