Washington, Apr.20 (ANI): A U.S. Defense Department report has warned that Iran could fire a missile at the United States by 2015, and adds that the Iranians have gone to great lengths to protect their nuclear infrastructure from physical destruction.

"With sufficient foreign assistance, Iran could probably develop and test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States by 2015," Fox News quoted the new 12 page unclassified report, as saying.

The report further claims that Iran's military strategy is designed to defend against external or "hard" threats from the United States and Israel.

"Iran continues being a disruptive force inside Iraq. Iran also offers strategic and operational guidance to militias and terrorist groups to target U.S. Forces in Iraq and undermine U.S. interests," the report said.

Regarding the effectiveness of Iranian Conventional Forces, the report says: "Iran maintains very sizeable military forces, but they would be relatively ineffective against a direct assault by well trained, sophisticated military such as that of the United States or its allies."

The report outlines Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities and developments saying it is "keeping open the option to develop nuclear weapons," which is consistent with what we've heard from a wide range of U.S. officials. (ANI)