Iran may soon develop ballistic missiles capable of reaching North America, a report by the US Department of Defense says. "With sufficient foreign assistance, Iran could probably develop and test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States by 2015," the report states, adding that "Iran's nuclear program and its willingness to keep open the possibility to develop nuclear weapons is a central part of its deterrent strategy."

The report indicates that while Iran has a sizeable conventional military force, it would be no match for a “well trained, sophisticated military such as that of the United States or its allies" in the event of armed conflict.

The paper also notes Iran’s duplicitous behavior in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it pledges to promote stability but all the while continues to support insurgents and terrorists groups inside both countries.

Earlier this week, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen, said a military strike against Iran would go “a long way” to delay the country’s nuclear program. Mullen, speaking at a forum in Columbia University, said a military strike was the “last option” but plans for such a contingency had been made.