The Obama administration needs to take the report that Iran may have developed a missile that is able to reach the United States seriously, says retired Army Col. Derek Harvey.
"If true, it would be a major change in our consideration of security in that region, the impact on Europe, our allies, and on the United States," Harvey, who served as a special adviser to former Gen. David Petraeus, told J.D. Hayworth and Miranda Khan on "America's Forum" on
Newsmax TV Friday.
According to a report out of Israel, satellite images show that Iran has built a launch site that is
capable of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach beyond Israel or Europe and is a direct threat to the United States.
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"The capability there with one set of missiles and a limited number of missiles is not the problem, it's when it's married with nuclear capabilities that it's going to be a major issue," he said.
"It just goes to the heart of the matter that we've not taken [seriously] the Iranian desire to become not just a regional hegemon, but to have influence over a wider region beyond just the immediate Gulf area," he said.
"We need to take this seriously, and I don't think the administration has to date," he added.
Saudi Arabia's
King Abdullah died Friday and there are concerns that his death may add to the instability in the Middle East.
Harvey told Newsmax that "it's going to be a little bumpy for a little while, but the Saudis are very keen on maintaining a strong relationship with the United States.
"We need to listen a little bit more and take their guidance and counsel to heart a little bit more, and wield this little storm in the region," he said.
"[We must] listen to our partners and understand the difficulties that they have, but also keep in mind our interest in the region," he said.
Abdullah has been succeeded by his half-brother Prince Salman, who has been assuming more responsibilities for the ailing king in recent months.
"King Salman, what we're going to get here is a steady and mature leader," Harvey said.
"He's very experienced and there's going to be a lot of continuity between what King Abdullah had done in trying to stabilize the kingdom and continue to focus on security issues in the region and maintain an internal focus on gradual, very incremental reform," he added.
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