Iran's missile programme quickly became a flash point in the presidential election on July 9 as McCain and Obama each seized on the tests to try to validate their differing policies on Iran. Each man spoke of the growing threat posed by Iran, and each called for pursuing what he called "direct and aggressive diplomacy with the Iranian regime", while McCain warned against that approach and said that the tests highlighted the need for a defense system in Europe.
The statement of the candidates:
John McCain: "Iran's most recent missile tests demonstrate again the dangers it poses to its neighbours 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 dangers ambitions. Iran's missile tests also demonstrate the need for effective missile defense now and in the near 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."
Barack Obama : "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 programme, 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 behaviour, and concrete incentives that would come if they change course. As these tests have reaffirmed, the threat from Iran's nuclear programme 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."
