Putin backs Iran's peaceful use of nuclear energy

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday reiterated his support for Iran's peaceful use of nuclear energy, amid the country's conflict with Israel over its nuclear programme.

"We protect Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy," Putin said at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum. Russia's position on this has not changed, he emphasized.

Russia has built a nuclear reactor in the Iranian city of Bushehr and signed contracts for the construction of two more reactors, the Kremlin head added. He said work at Bushehr was continuing despite the dangerous situation.

"We are not evacuating our personnel from there," said Putin, who this week put the number of Russians at the plant at 600. He said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to guarantee the safety of personnel at the Bushehr facility.

Putin said he had presented some ideas for resolving the conflict during recent talks with Israel and Iran.

Russia recently warned against US military intervention in the conflict and the danger of a nuclear catastrophe if Bushehr were to be bombed. Moscow has called for an end to the armed hostilities and a return to the negotiating table.