Six-country nuclear proposal reaches Tehran

Iran and Russia participated in the first summit of the five Caspian littoral states in Ashgabat, pursuing a negotiated regional framework as disputes over the sea’s status continued.

Iran and Russia signed a nuclear fuel agreement at Bushehr, advancing the Russian-assisted reactor project despite US objections.

Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov confirmed that Moscow had signed a contract to supply Tor-M1 air-defence systems to Iran, strengthening a major defence link.

The IAEA Board adopted a resolution requesting that Iran’s nuclear safeguards reports and resolutions be reported to the UN Security Council, escalating the diplomatic dispute.

Russia joined China, France, Germany, Britain and the United States in approving an offer in Vienna intended to resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute through negotiated cooperation.

Putin and Ahmadinejad met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, discussing bilateral ties, the six-country nuclear offer and regional cooperation.

Security Council resolution 1696 demanded that Iran suspend enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, placing its nuclear programme under stronger international pressure.

The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1737, with Russian support, imposing nuclear-related restrictions and asset freezes while cooperation over Bushehr remained a separate issue.

Sergei Ivanov announced that Russia had completed deliveries of Tor-M1 air-defence systems to Iran, demonstrating continued defence cooperation amid nuclear-related sanctions.

The Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1747, with Russia voting in favour, expanding sanctions and prohibiting arms exports from Iran.