Speaking in his address to the nation, Putin said Russia stood “unambiguously” for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons in the world.
But, in an apparent reference to mounting tension between the United States and Iran, though without mentioning either by name, he said: “Methods of force rarely give the desired result and often their consequences are even more terrible than the original threat.”
Russia agrees with the West that Iran should not have nuclear weapons. But it disagrees on two main points: whether Iran is actively seeking a bomb and whether sanctions would be effective in persuading Tehran to curb its nuclear work.
Russia holds a veto in the United Nations Security Council, which would vote on any international action against Iran. A draft resolution urging Iran to stop enriching uranium was submitted last week. Moscow said it needed changes.
