• Published 12:55 15.07.10
  • Latest update 12:55 15.07.10

Russia to Iran: Explain military components of your nuclear program

President's remarks reflect growing Russian concern over Iran's contentious program; until now, Russia has been hesitant to join Western efforts against the Islamic Republic.

By Reuters Tags: Russia Iran nuclear Israel news

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday he wanted an explanation from Tehran over the "military components" of Iran's nuclear program, according to a Reuters report.

"I would like to say that Iran is our rather active trading partner and has been tested by time, but that does not mean we are indifferent to the way Iran is developing its nuclear program and we are not indifferent to how the military components of the corresponding program look," Medvedev said.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev - AP

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

Photo by: AP

"In this respect, we are waiting for the appropriate explanations from Iran," he said.

"The information we are getting -- it comes from open channels and reports from the secret services -- shows these programs are developing ... and Iran must find the courage to start fully fledged cooperation with the international community," Medvedev said.

The U.S. administration of President Barack Obama has made a priority of winning Russian support for a tougher line towards Iran, which Western countries suspect of seeking nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Russia, which is building Iran's first nuclear power plant, voted to tighten sanctions against Iran last month in the UN Security Council, and Medvedev said this week Tehran was gaining the ability to make nuclear weapons.

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  • 2. 7 9
    Honesty ?
    • michael
    • 15.07.10
    • 18:36

    It always amazes me from even Russia that anyone expects honesty from Iran.Iran has proven its fruit and continues in its own deceptions.Russia really should worry about its neighbor and its infiltration of its own country. A strategic manouver could render Russia inoperable of carrying out military tasks, at least compromising many stations of military importance.Irans main goal though is to destroy Israel as a state and through co-operation of Saudi and African countries with Syria leading the way, enbarks on such a mission.Iran will indeed use their new found WMD on Israel once a coordinated plan is in place.If one, anyone human believes what Iran tells you, then you are the most decieved person on the planet.Their goal is clear, their aim is clear and their continued efforts will be accomplished.No one stops them and soon it will be a worldwide headache as well as destruction for many.

  • 1. 12 2
    Russia would be glad ....
    • Joseph
    • 15.07.10
    • 15:07

    to see the US starting another war with Iran. US already bleeding dramatically could be totally "wipe of the map" after the total collapse of their economy and their financial system ; The price of oil skyrocketing would also be good news for Russia. A weaker US would mean a much weaker Israel.