Srinagar, June 21 -- Amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Russian President Vladimir Putin has firmly defended Tehran's right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, stating there is no evidence that Iran is attempting to develop atomic weapons. In an interview with Sky News Arabia following the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said, "Iran has the right to pursue nuclear technology programmes for peaceful purposes."

He added that Russia remains committed to supporting Iran's civilian nuclear energy efforts: "Russia is prepared to provide Iran with the necessary assistance and support in the development of peaceful nuclear energy, just as it has in previous years."...