Putin Warns Against Use of Force on Landmark Visit to Iran

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against the use of military force in the Caspian region. The Russian leader is in Iran for a summit of the five Caspian Sea nations. VOA’s Challis McDonough has more in this report.

Speaking on a landmark visit to Tehran, President Putin said no Caspian nation should let its territory be used to attack another Caspian state.

The Russian leader’s comments are seen as a reference to rumors that the United States is considering military action against Iran, because of its nuclear program.

Mr. Putin spoke at the opening session of a summit of the five nations bordering the Caspian Sea.

This is the first time a Kremlin leader has visited Iran since World War Two. Mr. Putin’s trip is being watched closely for signs of movement in the nuclear standoff between Iran and the West. Russia has been a key mediator in the crisis. The Iranian and Russian presidents are scheduled to hold direct talks focusing on the nuclear issue.

Mr. Putin went to Tehran despite a warning by Russian security services of a possible plot to assassinate him there.

Putin Warns against Use of Force on Landmark Visit to Iran by Challiss McDonough