Iran unlikely to have an ICBM by 2015, says CRS report

It is increasingly uncertain whether Iran will be able to achieve an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capability by 2015, a report published on 6 December by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) has concluded.

Since 1999, the US intelligence community has repeatedly warned that Iran could test an ICBM by 2015 given sufficient foreign assistance, especially from a country such as China or Russia. For example, the 2012 US Department of Defense Annual Report on the Military Power of Iran stated: "Iran may be technically capable of flight-testing an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2015."

An agency within the Library of Congress, the CRS works for the members of congress, their committees, and staff on a confidential basis. Although its reports are unclassified, as a matter of policy they are not made available to members of the public, except in certain circumstances. Requests from researchers, libraries, and corporations are usually denied.

Written by Steven A Hildreth, described as a "specialist in missile defence", CRS report R42849 'Iran's Ballistic Missile and Space Launch Programs' says that Iran does not appear to be receiving the degree of foreign support many believe would be necessary for a successful ICBM programme.