Gates: Bush missile defense plan dumped because of changes in perceived threat from Iran

Gates: US intelligence caused change in plans

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the decision to abandon the Bush administration’s plans for a land-based missile defense system in Eastern Europe came about because of a change in the U.S. perception of the threat posed by Iran.

Reinforcing statements President Barack Obama made about anti-missile strategy, Gates told reporters Thursday that U.S. intelligence decided short- and medium-range missiles now pose a greater near-term threat than intercontinental ballistic missiles.

He said intelligence experts concluded the short- and medium-range missiles were “developing more rapidly than previously projected” in Iran. Gates said the previous administration’s plans will be changed, moving away from the installation of a missile defense shield in the Czech Republic and Poland in the near future. He said a second phase to begin in 2015 could result in missiles being placed on land in Eastern Europe.