US President George W Bush and Russian President Vladimir Putin have said they will work together to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.

Speaking after talks at his family retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine, Mr Bush said he and Mr Putin recognized the need to "send a common message".

The US has accused Iran of seeking nuclear arms, which Iran denies.

But the two leaders failed to resolve differences over the planned US anti-missile defense shield.

Russia has strongly opposed US plans to base parts of the proposed shield near Russia's borders, and recently warned it might target its missiles towards Europe again.

Moscow has also baulked at US-led drives at the UN to impose tougher sanctions against Iran for pursuing its uranium enrichment program.

New ideas

Talking to reporters after what officials had billed as a casual meeting, the two leaders projected a united front towards dealing with Iran.