TOYAKO, Japan, July 9 (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday said Iran should immediately stop development of ballistic missiles and refrain from further missile tests.

Iran test fired nine long- and medium-range missiles, including one which it has previously said could reach Israel and U.S. bases in the region, state media in Iran reported on Wednesday. [ID:nL09130312]

Iran should "refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in Japan where U.S. President George W. Bush has attended the Group of Eight summit.

"The Iranians should stop the development of ballistic missiles, which could be used as a delivery vehicle for a potential nuclear weapon, immediately," he said.

The missile tests occurred at a time of heightened tension between Iran and Israel over Tehran's disputed nuclear program, which the West suspects is aimed at making bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is for power generation.

News of the Iran's missile test came a day after the G8 expressed serious concern at the proliferation risks posed by Iran's nuclear program and urged Tehran to suspend all uranium enrichment related activities.

The White House said Iran's development of ballistic missiles was in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions but that the United States was commited to pursuing a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"President Bush and our partners in the United Nations Security Council, as well as Germany, are commited to a diplomatic path, and have offered Iran a generous package of incentives if they will suspend their uranium enrichment activities," Johndroe said. (Reporting by Tabassum Zakaria)

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