Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed Tehran’s right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, citing findings by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that no evidence exists of Iran seeking to build nuclear weapons.
Speaking after the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin emphasized that Russia is willing to assist Iran with civilian nuclear technology, reiterating Moscow’s long-standing support for the peaceful use of atomic energy.
“We believe that Iran has the right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes,” Putin stated in an interview with Sky News Arabia’s Nadim Koteich. “The IAEA confirms there is no evidence of Iran developing nuclear weapons.”
Putin’s comments follow a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, which Tel Aviv claims are aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear arms. Iranian authorities have firmly denied these accusations, insisting their nuclear activities remain within peaceful parameters.
In retaliation, Iran launched a series of drone and missile attacks targeting Israeli infrastructure, intensifying regional instability.
Despite Israeli claims, US intelligence agencies have reportedly found no hard evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi recently reaffirmed this position, noting that while Iran continues to enrich uranium up to 60% purity, this alone does not equate to the creation of nuclear arms.
“Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to this level, but that’s not the same as building a bomb,” Grossi told reporters earlier this month.
Nonetheless, US President Donald Trump has described Iran as being “very close” to obtaining nuclear weapons, warning of potential American intervention unless Tehran capitulates.
Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state enriching uranium to this level, but that’s not the same as building a bombGrossi
Putin has called for de-escalation and direct negotiations between all parties involved, warning that further military action risks spiraling into broader conflict. He suggested that any resolution should include mutual security guarantees — safeguarding Israel’s right to national security while protecting Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear development.
According to the Kremlin, Putin is among the few world leaders who have spoken directly with the heads of all three key actors — Iran, Israel, and the United States — since the crisis erupted.