Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced strong support for Iran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, while calling for diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation in the region. Speaking to senior editors in St. Petersburg, Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s “very good relationship” with Tehran and highlighted Russia’s role in ensuring Iran’s civil nuclear interests.
Putin confirmed that Russia had offered to take enriched uranium from Iran and supply nuclear fuel for its energy program, signaling continued cooperation in the nuclear sector. He also noted that Iran’s underground enrichment facilities remain untouched, saying, “These underground factories… nothing has happened to them.”
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Commenting on broader tensions, Putin said regime change should not be pursued without clear outcomes and stressed the importance of finding diplomatic resolutions. “Everyone should look for ways to end hostilities,” he urged, adding that a negotiated solution “can be found.”
When asked about military support, Putin clarified that Russia’s strategic partnership treaty with Iran, signed in January, does not include defense cooperation, and Iran has made no formal request for arms. Meanwhile, Russian officials have warned the U.S. and Israel against further strikes on Iran, citing the risk of regional destabilization and even nuclear catastrophe.
Putin said Israel had assured Moscow that Russian personnel working on nuclear projects in Iran, including at Bushehr, would not be targeted in airstrikes.
