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Putin to visit Iran for nuclear talks
July 25, 2013, 9:42 am

[Xinhua]

President Putin will become the very first leader to visit Tehran after the new president assumes office if the trip takes place [Xinhua]

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Iran next month, reports Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, citing sources close to the Iranian government.

The Russian president is likely to discuss Tehran’s nuclear programme with the country’s new President Hassan Rouhani who is due to assume office on August 3.

The Kremlin is yet to confirm the information. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying “We have a lot of visits being prepared now. But I cannot confirm the information yet.”

President Putin will become the very first leader to visit Tehran after the new president assumes office if the trip takes place.

Moscow hopes Rouhani will provide some understanding and clarity on whether the government is ready to abide by the international community’s requirements on nuclear talks.

S-300 air defence systems are also likely to be discussed between the two sides.

Former President Dmitry Medvedev cancelled the delivery of anti-ballistic missiles and anti-aircraft systems to Iran, with Tehran subsequently filing a lawsuit against Russia demanding compensation of $4 billion.

To avoid further conflict Moscow suggested a replacement missile system (Antey 2500). However, Tehran are yet to respond.

President Putin last visited Tehran in 2007.

By Daria Chernyshova in Moscow, Russia for The BRICS POST, with inputs from Agencies