In response to a snarky, hostile question about regime change in Iran from Reuters Executive Editor Simon Robinson, at his discussion with leaders of international media on the sidelines of the SPIEF conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin elaborated on a way to both guarantee Iran access to peaceful nuclear technology, and to ensure Israel’s security.
”[N]othing has happened to Iran’s underground facilities. I believe that in this context it would be correct to join forces to put an end to hostilities and to find a way for the conflicting sides to come to an agreement, so as to ensure both the nuclear interests of Iran, including in the sphere of nuclear energy and other peaceful uses of nuclear power, as well as Israel’s interests regarding the unconditional security of the Jewish state. This is an extremely delicate issue that calls for extremely careful actions. However, I believe that a solution can be found.
“As you know, we have taken over the project that was launched in Iran by German companies and completed the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. The German companies withdrew from the country, and the Iranians asked us to take over that project. It was difficult, because the German specialists were building it to their design, and Rosatom had to do a great deal to adapt it to the power units of the Russian design.
“Nevertheless, we have accomplished that project, and the power unit is working successfully. We have signed a contract for the construction of two more power units. Work is underway, and there are Russian professionals at the construction site. There are over 200 of them. We have agreed with the Israeli leadership that their safety will be ensured.
“Overall, we could work with Iran, taking into account its plans to continue using and further developing non-military nuclear technologies, in particular in agriculture, medicine and so on, which are not related to nuclear energy, but we could also work with it in the sphere of nuclear energy itself. What makes me think so? The reason is that there is a sufficiently high level of trust between our countries. We have very good relations with Iran. We could continue this work and ensure Iran’s interests in this sphere.
“I will not go into detail now, because there are many nuances we have discussed with both Israel and the United States. We have also sent certain signals to our Iranian friends. In general, Iran’s interests in the field of non-military nuclear energy can be ensured and Israel’s security concerns can be lifted at the same time.
“I believe that such solutions exist. We have put them forth to all our partners, as I have said, including the United States and Israel, as well as Iran. We are not trying to impose anything on anyone. We are simply articulating our perspective on a potential solution. However, the choice rests with the political leadership of these countries, primarily Iran and Israel.”
