Tehran , Iran ( CNN ) -- Iran tested an upgraded version of a surface-to-surface missile with a range that makes it capable of reaching parts of Europe , state-run television reported Wednesday . 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 U.S. 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 Tuesday , `` 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 . '' But a U.S. intelligence official said the test launch does not represent `` a major advancement '' in Iran 's missile technology . The official added that Iran carries out such tests on a `` routine basis ... to attract attention . '' 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 . Those tests drew condemnation after the Islamic republic revealed the existence of a covert uranium enrichment site near the city of Qom . Iran shocked the world with that revelation . Since then , it has allowed inspectors from the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency to visit the plant . Western powers fear that Iran is intent on developing nuclear weapons . That 's a claim Tehran denies , but the latest test-firing of the Sajil-2 could add to existing tensions .
NEW : Gates : `` Missile tests only undermine Iran 's claims of peaceful intentions '' Missile 's range puts parts of Israel , U.S. bases , parts of Europe within range . West fears Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons ; Iran denies claim .