"We detected a missile launch from Iran on August 16 and our reports indicated it was unsuccessful," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It did not reach orbit."
Iran announced Sunday that it had successfully launched into space a missile with a dummy satellite. There were conflicting accounts by Iranian officials as to whether the missile was carrying a satellite or simply capable of carrying one.
A US intelligence official, who asked not to be identified, said the Iranian missile failed shortly after lift-off.
"It was a rather dismal display," the official said. "It certainly didn't get very far off the ground, and it definitely did not meet the overall objectives that the Iranians reported the test achieved."
