Candidates respond to Iran's missile test

UPDATES with comments from both campaigns
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Both John McCain and Barack Obama responded today to Iran's test of medium- and long-range missiles.

McCain argued a military defense strategy in response:

"Iran's most recent missile tests demonstrate again the dangers it poses to its neighbors and to the wider region, especially Israel. Ballistic missile testing coupled with Iran's continued refusal to cease its nuclear activities should unite the international community in efforts to counter Iran's dangerous ambitions. Iran's missile tests also demonstrate the need for effective missile defense now and in the future, and this includes missile defense in Europe as is planned with the Czech Republic and Poland. Working with our European and regional allies is the best way to meet the threat posed by Iran, not unilateral concessions that undermine multilateral diplomacy."

Obama, who has said in the past he would open talks with Iran, argued for diplomacy:

"These missile tests demonstrate once again that we need to change our policy to deal aggressively with the threat posed by the Iranian regime. Through its nuclear program, missile capability, meddling in Iraq, support for terrorism, and threats against Israel, Iran now poses the greatest strategic challenge to the United States in the region in a generation. Now is the time to work with our friends and allies, and to pursue direct and aggressive diplomacy with the Iranian regime backed by tougher unilateral and multilateral sanctions. It's time to offer the Iranians a clear choice between increased costs for continuing their troubling behavior, and concrete incentives that would come if they change course.

"As these tests have reaffirmed, the threat from Iran's nuclear program is real and it is grave. As President, I will do everything in my power to eliminate that threat, and that must begin with direct, aggressive, and sustained diplomacy."

The test was seen by military officials as Iran's government showing that it can retaliate to attacks by US and Israel. Read the Associated Press report.

UPDATE: John McCain commented further on the missile tests from South Park, Pa., urging sanctions and ripping Iran's president today:

"The President of Iran, President Ahmadinejad, continues to state his nation's dedication to the destruction of the State of Israel. They are continuing mounting evidence that Iran is pursuing the acquisition of nuclear weapons. I am convinced that our European allies and friends are ready to impose significant impactful and meaningful sanctions on the Iranians, especially financial, including trade and including international financial systems and that those sanctions can be effective in modifying Iranian behavior."

UPDATE: Representatives from McCain's campaign leveled attacks against Obama for his stance on Iran:

"He has consistently minimized the threat that Iran poses," said Senator John Thune (R-SD).

"Once again, we're seeing that Senator Obama is revealing his inexperience on a serious matter of international security," McCain foreign policy adviser Randy Scheunemann said.

Obama's campaign responded by saying the current policy against Iran has failed:

"With Iran now spinning 3800 centrifuges, threatening Israel, meddling in Iraq, and funding terrorists, the current policy toward Iran that Senator McCain has fully supported is clearly failing," said Obama campaign spokesman Hari Sevugan.

"Rather than supporting Senator Obama's bipartisan efforts to pressure Iran, Senator McCain has instead promised four more years of the same failed policies," Sevugan added.