Bush likely to lobby Putin on Iran

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine, June 30 (UPI) -- President Bush plans to seek Russia's assistance in putting pressure on Iran's nuclear program when Vladimir Putin comes calling this weekend.

The Russian leader will be at the Bush cottage in Maine starting Sunday and likely will be pitched on a U.S. proposal made in the United Nations to squeeze Tehran through increased inspection of cargo headed into Iran.

The New York Times said Saturday that U.S. officials were not certain how Putin would react to the idea or whether he would attempt to seek some kind of deal on U.S. plans to place missile-defense infrastructure in eastern Europe.

Bush and Putin are expected to talk business; however, the Times said socializing also was expected, including some fishing and a dinner attended by Bush's parents.