No need for European missiles if Iran deal works, Russian FM says

ROME, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- There's no need for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe if the Iranian nuclear threat subsides, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday

Lavrov, citing a weekend Iranian agreement with six world powers to suspend some nuclear activity in exchange for modest relief from economic sanctions, said, "If the Iran deal is put into practice, the stated reason for the construction of the defense shield will no longer apply," the Russian news agency RT reported.

Lavrov made the comment during a visit to Rome, the report said.

Strains have emerged as a result of U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Eastern Europe. U.S. officials say a system is needed in the region to contain potential threats from Iran and North Korea; the Kremlin wants assurances its national interests won't be targeted.

Last year, the Russian military set aside $750 million to produce the Iskander mobile tactical ballistic missile system. The Kremlin said it would roll out the system to counter any U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe.