US to abandon missile defense shield for Poland

The United States is reportedly set to abandon its plans for a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic following a review of Iran's long-range missile program which has not shown the progress that the US was expecting from it.

According to reports, reviews have found that Iran's threat to the continental US and major European capitals has reduced in the recent past.

According to the Obama administration's assessment, US allies in Europe face a more immediate threat from Iran's short- and medium-range missiles. The administration would shift towards the development of regional missile defenses for the Continent, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Earlier, the George Bush administration had formulated plans to place missile launchers in Poland and a sophisticated radar station in the Czech Republic. However, the newspaper also quoted officials, who said that they would continue with the missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic if Iran's long-range missile program shows any progresses.