U.S. senator calls for response to Iran rocket launch

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) recently called on President Barack Obama's administration to issue a strong response to Iran following the recent test firing of several rockets that came within 1,500 yards of American aircraft carriers in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. military officials announced the incident Dec 26. No one was harmed, but the surprise test was seen as a provocative move at a time when the U.S. and Iran are attempting to hold together a tentative nuclear deal that would include lifting some of the sanctions currently imposed on Iran.

McCain, who is also chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the attack proved why the deal was not enough to contain the threat posed by Iran.

"This alarming launch comes after Iran has conducted two advanced missile tests since October in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions," McCain said. "Yet the administration continues to turn a blind eye to Iranian saber rattling, continued state sponsorship of terrorism and violations of its international commitments for fear Iran will walk away from the nuclear deal."

McCain said lifting sanctions would motivate Iran, which he alleged does not seriously intend to improve its relations with Western countries. McCain said a bolder, military response to the situation would be more effective.

"We need a to ensure that U.S. forces are postured to respond to Iranian aggression and finally adopt a comprehensive strategy to counter Iran's malign influence in the Middle East," McCain said.