A US delegation is trying win Russian backing this week for the Bush administration’s controversial plans for a missile system in eastern Europe. The US wants to host the bases in Poland and the Czech Republic. The White House continues to insist the system is needed as protection against Iran, despite last week’s own conclusion from US intelligence that Iran has abandoned its nuclear weapons program. In Budapest, Acting Under Secretary of State John Rood said Iran’s threat is growing.

Acting Under Secretary of State John Rood: “We have seen a large growth in the missile capabilities of countries like North Korea and Iran in recent years. This is a threat that we think is real and growing and one that it is prudent to take steps to deter and to defend against through means like missile defense.”

The Bush administration has already launched talks aimed at a settlement with North Korea. Critics of the missile system call it a first-strike option for the United States.