AFP: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that reports of an assassination plot against him in Iran were an attempt to “wreck” his landmark visit. MOSCOW (AFP) Russian President Vladimir Putin said that reports of an assassination plot against him in Iran were an attempt to “wreck” his landmark visit.
“It was nothing other than an attempt to wreck the visit,” Putin said Thursday during a televised question-and-answer session, referring to a report ahead of his visit to Tehran on Tuesday that suicide bombers were planning to assassinate him there.
“It’s harmful for international relations because direct dialogue with states where there are problems are always more productive and a quicker path to success than the path of threats, sanctions or even force,” Putin said.
Putin’s comment echoed the reaction of Iran’s foreign ministry, which dismissed the report of the plot as an attempt by “enemies” to break up relations between Russia and Iran.
“The reports in some media are completely without foundation and part of a psychological war waged by enemies to disrupt relations between Iran and Russia,” foreign ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini told AFP.
Putin’s visit was the first by a Kremlin chief to Iran since World War II and his trip was of major significance for the Islamic republic at a time of mounting tension over its nuclear programme.
