Moscow • Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday chastised the United States over its policy in Iraq and Iran, and announced “grandiose” military plans, including development of a new nuclear weapon. Putin, who is to step down at the end of his second term next year, also said he wanted the ruling United Russia Party to preserve his policies after December parliamentary elections, confirming that he wants to retain major political influence after leaving office. In a nationally broadcast link-up with ordinary Russians across the country, Putin called the US intervention in Iraq a “dead end” and called on Washington to set a deadline for the withdrawal of troops. Putin said that Russia would build another nuclear submarine next year and was also planning a “completely new” atomic weapon. “We have grandiose plans and they are absolutely realistic,” Putin said.