Postol and Elleman Question N. Korea-Iran Missile Link from WikiLeaks

Following WikiLeaks' release of U.S. diplomatic cables this week questions have been raised as to whether or not North Korea has transfered missiles to Iran.  The missiles in question, known as Musudans or BM-25s, would be capable of hitting targets in Western Europe and deep into Russia if launched from Iran.  

Theodore Postol, Professor of Science, Technology and International Security at MIT and a Ploughshares Fund grantee, gave his expert opinion on the North Korea-Iran Missile link alongside other experts in an article in today's Washington Post.  

The article notes, "Iran has never publicly displayed the missiles, according to experts and a senior U.S. intelligence official, some of whom doubt the missiles were ever transferred to Iran."    

According to Postol, "If you're claiming that there's a missile that can reach Western Europe from Iran, then you should be able to produce evidence...But they can't. The Iranians love to show photographs of what they have because part of their game is to appear bigger than they are. There is no reason for the Iranians to keep it secret. I am kind of surprised at the American side's assertions."

Michael Elleman, a missile expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and a Ploughshares grantee, also spoke with The Post about the recent missile allegations.  He noted that in the cables "the U.S. side does not firmly say we have evidence that the BM-25 is in Iran."  Elleman participated in a recent discussion on Iran's nuclear and missile programs hosted by the Arms Control Association.

The article concludes by outlining Postol's assessment of Iran's missile capability.  According to his analysis Iran is 3 to 5 years away from possessing a missile capable of hitting targets at such a range.