Putin: With the Removal of the Iranian Threat, the U.S. Missile System No Longer Justified

While the Russian President has strongly criticized the activation of the U.S. missile defense system in Romania by referring to the 'removal of the Iranian threat,' Poland held a symbolic ceremony for the installation of this system on its soil. Vladimir Putin stated on Friday, May 14, that the nuclear missile threat from Iran is no longer present, and therefore there is no justification for the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system in Europe. According to Interfax news agency, Mr. Putin, during a meeting with senior military officials in Russia, said, 'Just a few years ago, our opponents jointly claimed that our partners in Europe and the U.S. needed this missile defense system to counter the threat of Iranian nuclear missiles. Where is that Iranian nuclear threat now? There is nothing.' The Russian President added, 'The U.S. itself was among the initiators of the [nuclear] agreement with Iran. They really did everything right, and we supported this position of the U.S. government. But there is no longer a threat while the missile defense system construction continues.' Vladimir Putin's reaction to the U.S. missile defense system came a day after the system became operational in Romania. On the same day, senior U.S. and Polish officials also held a symbolic ceremony for the installation of the U.S. missile defense system in Poland. According to the Associated Press, Robert Work, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, and Antoni Macierewicz, the Polish Minister of Defense, attended the ceremony held in the city of Redzikowo. Andrzej Duda, the President of Poland, referred to this day as a 'historic day' for his country, stating that it enhances both the security of his country and demonstrates NATO unity. In response to Russia's concerns about the close proximity of the U.S. missile defense system to its territory, the President of Poland stated that this system is not aimed at any country and is solely for 'defending the skies of Europe against any missile attack.' Romania and Poland were both members of the Eastern Bloc and allies of the Soviet Union. The U.S. and NATO members have long emphasized that the purpose of establishing this system is to defend Europe against the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles. However, Russia rejects this justification, stating that the deployment of the U.S. missile defense system in Europe disrupts the balance of power. The Islamic Republic has been producing ballistic missiles for years, some of which can reach parts of Europe. Mr. Putin also emphasized in his remarks on Friday that Moscow will take 'necessary steps to establish strategic balance.'