Iranian Defense Minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi said on Press-TV that the solid-fuel, high-speed Sajil-2 missile has "great maneuverability" and can access targets more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) away, making Israel and US military bases in the Gulf reachable.

Vahidi said the missile has a shorter launch time and is intended to boost Iran's deterrent capability.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Defense Secretary Robert Gates had seen the intelligence on the launch, which occurred on December 15, "and, based on that, is clearly concerned."

"At a time when the international community has offered Iran opportunities to begin to build trust and confidence, Iran's missile tests only undermine Iran's claims of peaceful intentions," he added. "Such actions will increase the seriousness and resolve of the international community to hold Iran accountable for its continued defiance of its international obligations."

Iran tested the initial version of the Sajil-2 in May. In September, days before a key meeting over nuclear issues with industrialized powers, Iran tested two types of long-range missiles.