‘Tehran didn’t ask for help:’ Putin says Israel vows safety of Russian experts at Iranian nuclear site

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Tehran has not requested Moscow's assistance amid the military conflict with Israel, while Tel Aviv has assured the safety of Russian experts working at Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Speaking to senior journalists from international news agencies, President Putin said the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is a delicate issue, but one that could be resolved.

According to The Times of Israel, Putin expressed Russia’s willingness to mediate between the two countries.

“I believe it would be good for all of us together to look for ways to stop the fighting and seek ways for the participants in the conflict to find an agreement,” he was quoted as saying by Times of Israel. 

When asked how Russia would respond if Israel were to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Putin refused to comment, saying that he did “not even wish to discuss” such a possibility. 

Putin noted that Russia has already presented its diplomatic proposals to Iran, Israel, and the United States. He said that the final decision rests with the political leadership of the respective countries.

Highlighting Russia’s long-standing nuclear cooperation with Tehran, Putin said Russia helped complete Iran’s first nuclear power plant and is currently assisting in the construction of two more reactors. Over 200 Russian experts are currently stationed in Iran.

He also revealed that Israel has provided assurances regarding the safety of these Russian experts. 

Clarifying Iran’s stance, Putin emphasised that Tehran prefers independence in defence matters.

He further said that Iran never asked for defense cooperation earlier. The Iran nuclear agreement does not include a defence clause. 

“If the situation escalates, we’ll see whether they seek help. For now, they don’t want it,” he concluded.