PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) - Czech and U.S. officials said Friday they are close to an agreement to allow the U.S. to station parts of a missile defense system in the Czech Republic, but more talks are needed.

«The finish line is certainly within view,» U.S. Assistant Secretary of State John Rood said after talks in Prague.

Deputy Foreign Minister Tomas Pojar said agreement could be reached in a few months. Any treaty would have to be approved by the Czech Parliament.

Washington wants to place a radar base near Prague as part of a shield it says would protect against a threat from Iran. The U.S. also wants to place interceptor missiles in
Poland.

Russia strongly objects to the plan.