In a recent interview following the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 20, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Iran’s right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, emphasizing Russia’s readiness to support Tehran in this endeavor.
Speaking with Nadim Koteich, general manager of Sky News Arabia and moderator of the session, Putin addressed escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, while advocating for diplomatic resolutions and citing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) findings that there is no evidence of Iran developing nuclear weapons.
Iran’s Nuclear Program: A Peaceful Pursuit?
Putin’s remarks come at a time of heightened regional conflict, with Israel launching a series of airstrikes against Iranian targets last week, claiming that Tehran is dangerously close to achieving nuclear weapons capability.
Israel’s government has repeatedly expressed concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, asserting that the strikes were necessary to prevent Tehran from crossing a critical threshold in its alleged weapons program.
Iran, however, has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are strictly for civilian purposes, such as energy production and medical research.
In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, further escalating the situation.
In his interview, Putin underscored Russia’s stance: “We believe that Iran has the right to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes. And we are prepared, as we have been in previous years, to provide the necessary support in this field.”
He also highlighted Russia’s opposition to nuclear proliferation, stating, “We are against the spread of nuclear weapons in any country.”
Putin pointed to the IAEA’s assessments, which have found no concrete evidence that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program, as a basis for his position.
IAEA and U.S. Intelligence: No Evidence of Iranian Nuclear Weapons
The IAEA, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, has played a central role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities.
In a report issued earlier this month, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi noted that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon state producing and stockpiling uranium enriched to 60%—a level close to the 90% required for weapons-grade material.
While this has raised concerns among some Western nations, Grossi clarified that there is no indication Iran is actively working to weaponize its nuclear program.
U.S. intelligence agencies have similarly concluded that there is no evidence Iran is developing nuclear weapons.
Despite this, former U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the time of Israel’s strikes, claimed Iran was “very close” to acquiring nuclear weapons and called for Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”
Trump also warned that the United States might intervene militarily if Iran did not comply, a stance that has drawn criticism for contradicting intelligence assessments and risking further escalation.
Putin’s Call for Diplomacy and Mutual Security
Amid these conflicting narratives, Putin positioned himself as a mediator, noting that he has maintained direct communication with the leaders of Iran, Israel, and the United States. According to the Kremlin, this gives him a “complete picture” of the complex dynamics at play.
During a late-night Q&A session with journalists on June 18, 2025, Putin emphasized the need for a negotiated resolution that ensures mutual security guarantees.
“Resolving the conflict should include protecting both Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology and Israel’s right to security,” he stated.
Putin also revealed that Russia has repeatedly conveyed to Israel the lack of evidence supporting claims of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
He urged both sides to de-escalate and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence, warning that continued military actions could destabilize the region and have global repercussions.
The Broader Context: Iran’s Nuclear Deal and Regional Tensions
Iran’s nuclear program has been a contentious issue for decades, particularly since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
The agreement, signed by Iran and six world powers (the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Russia, and China), aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
However, the U.S. withdrew from the deal in 2018 under Trump’s administration, prompting Iran to gradually scale back its commitments, including increasing uranium enrichment levels.
Efforts to revive the JCPOA have stalled, with negotiations hampered by mutual distrust and regional conflicts.
Israel, which opposed the deal from the outset, has conducted covert operations and airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium and its advancements in centrifuge technology have fueled concerns, even as Tehran insists its program remains peaceful.
Global Implications and the Path Forward
The recent flare-up between Iran and Israel underscores the fragility of the Middle East’s security landscape.
With major powers like Russia and the U.S. holding divergent views on Iran’s nuclear program, the risk of miscalculation or broader conflict remains high.
Putin’s advocacy for Iran’s nuclear rights, coupled with his call for diplomacy, reflects Russia’s strategic interest in maintaining influence in the region while countering Western narratives.
For now, the international community continues to rely on the IAEA’s inspections and reports to assess Iran’s compliance with nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
As tensions persist, experts argue that reviving the JCPOA or establishing a new framework for dialogue could be critical to preventing further escalation.
However, achieving consensus among stakeholders—particularly in light of Israel’s security concerns and Iran’s insistence on its sovereign rights—remains a formidable challenge.
In conclusion, Putin’s remarks at SPIEF highlight the complex interplay of geopolitics, nuclear diplomacy, and regional rivalries surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
While the IAEA and U.S. intelligence findings support the absence of an Iranian weapons program, conflicting claims and military actions continue to fuel uncertainty.
As the world watches, the path to de-escalation lies in sustained diplomatic engagement and a commitment to mutual security—a goal that, for now, remains elusive.
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