WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The U.S. intelligence community has determined that Iran's military build-up marked a major threat to Gulf Arab neighbors.

Officials said Iran could destroy vital facilities in any of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states. They said the intelligence community has assessed that Iran has deployed a powerful arsenal in the Gulf comprised of ballistic missiles as well as naval power.

"Iranian conventional military power threatens Persian Gulf states and challenges U.S. interests," National Intelligence director John Negroponte said. "Iran is enhancing its ability to project its military power, primarily with ballistic missiles and naval power, with the goal of dominating the Gulf region and deterring potential adversaries."

In testimony to the Senate Select Intelligence Committee on Jan. 11, Negroponte said Iran has sought to isolate Gulf Cooperation Council states. Negroponte said Iran's military plans to disrupt the operations and reinforcement of U.S. forces in the Gulf region.