IRAN COULD LAUNCH ICBM BY 2005

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. intelligence community forecasts an Iranianlaunch of an intercontinental ballistic missile by 2005. The assessment by the CIA predicts an Iranian crash development programthat completes the intermediate-range Shihab-3, Shihab-4 and then focuses ona three-stage intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike theUnited States. The program would be aided by China, North Korea and Russiaand continue regardless of whether Iranian reformists gain power.