Iran, North Korea, China Emerging as Threats

After terrorism, the ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction is the second major threat to the safety of the U.S. and its allies, and Iran and North Korea are both emerging as potential dangers in that area, a top U.S. official told a Senate committee here today. Officials believe that Iran maintains offensive chemical and biological weapons capabilities in various stages of development, Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Maples, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said at the hearing. Also, Iran is developing ballistic missiles with the capability to strike Tel Aviv, Israel, and even central Europe, he said.

(United States Department of Defense; 28Feb06; Sgt. Sara Wood, American Forces Press Service)

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Feb2006/20060228_4344.html