Putin reaffirms support for Iran’s peaceful use of nuclear energy
Russian President Vladimir Putin told that Russia supports Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, emphasizing that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no evidence suggesting Tehran seeks to build nuclear weapons.
Putin has reaffirmed Moscow’s opposition to the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including any potential acquisition by Iran, in an interview published Saturday.
Speaking at an economic forum in St. Petersburg on Friday, Putin said Russia was sharing its ideas on how to stop the bloodshed in the Iran-Israel conflict with both sides.
We believe Iran has the right to use nuclear energy peacefully, and we are ready to help, Putin said.
He reaffirmed Russia’s firm opposition to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, describing Iran’s fatwa banning nuclear weapons as a serious and important step that should be taken seriously.
Moscow had informed Israeli leaders multiple times that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, urging dialogue to reduce regional fears and promote collective security.
President Vladimir Putin said overnight he has secured Israel’s pledge to safeguard Russian personnel at Iran’s Russia-built nuclear power plant and that he has reached out to both sides to try to end the week-old war.
He said Moscow asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the security of Russian personnel who are working to construct two more reactors at the nuclear power plant in Iran’s port of Bushehr and that he also raised the issue with US President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has agreed with that, and President Trump has promised to support our legitimate demands, Putin said.
But he strongly rejected allegations that Moscow has failed to back its ally, Tehran, saying the Kremlin has maintained good ties with both Iran and Israel. He noted that Israel is home to nearly 2 million people from Russia and other former Soviet nations, a factor that we always have taken into account.
He voiced concern about the spiralling conflict, saying we are strongly worried about what’s going on around the Iranian nuclear facilities and possible consequences.
