"Iran continues its pursuit of long-range ballistic missiles," Goss said in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee on the main security threats to the United States.

Goss went on to reaffirm US accusations that the fundamentalist Islamic government in Tehran has strong links to militant groups.

He said that even after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, "Iran continues to support terrorist groups in the region such as Hezbollah. It is a state sponsor."

He said Iran harbours "important members of al-Qaeda, causing further unclarity about Iran's committment to bring them to justice one way or another."

Goss added that "Iran reportedly is supporting some anti-coalition activities in Iraq in seeking to influence the future character of the Iraqi state."

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