Putin: Russia has no reason to doubt Iran

Russian PM warns against use of force or new sanctions on Islamic republic over nuclear program.

By AP, JPOST.COM STAFF
putin 224.88 (photo credit: AP [file])
putin 224.88
(photo credit: AP [file])
Vladmir Putin on Friday warned against the use of force or new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, according to the Russian prime minister's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. Speaking during a meeting with foreign experts on Russia, Putin said that Russia had no reason to doubt that Iran's nuclear program is purely peaceful. Peskov also quoted Putin as saying that the use of force "won't solve the problem" and would hurt the entire region, and that sanctions would not have the desired effect. Other participants said Putin also stressed that Russia does not want to see a nuclear-armed Iran, and that Teheran needs to answer international concerns about its nuclear activity. The Russian prime minister's comments came days after Iran issued proposals for talks with the West. According to a copy of the document, published by online investigative group ProPublica, the proposal promises wide-ranging negotiations but does not provide details of the country's disputed nuclear program. The five-page proposal says Iran is ready to "embark on comprehensive, all-encompassing and constructive negotiations."