Putin: Tehran Seeks Nuclear Weapons

According to the political news service of Saed News, citing Jamaran, the National Security Archive released on Tuesday the transcripts of conversations between U.S. and Russian leaders from 2001 to 2008. These discussions, declassified following a legal challenge by the archive, reveal that Presidents George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin consistently emphasized preventing Iran from enriching uranium and acquiring nuclear weapons.

The documents, released on Tuesday, December 23, show that Iran’s nuclear program was a central topic in three direct meetings between Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, and George W. Bush, then President of the United States, in 2001, 2005, and 2008.

2001: Early Concerns at Bled Castle

The first discussion occurred on June 16, 2001, during a meeting at Bled Castle in Slovenia. Following Bush’s expression of concern over Iran’s nuclear program and arms sales to Tehran, Putin stated that Russia would limit missile technology sales to Iran and acknowledged that Tehran sought nuclear weapons.

Putin said, “Iranian experts ask our experts many questions about sensitive subjects. There is no doubt—they want nuclear weapons.” He added, “I told our people not to discuss such matters with them.”

During this meeting, Bush dismissed reports that the U.S. was seeking to normalize relations with Iran, pointing out that Congressional sanctions effectively made such normalization impossible. Condoleezza Rice, then National Security Advisor, confirmed that rumors of Washington attempting rapprochement with Tehran existed but emphasized they were untrue.

2005: Hints of Referring Iran’s Case to the UN Security Council

The second document concerns the September 16, 2005 meeting at the White House’s Oval Office. Attended by Rice, Secretary of State, Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense, and Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, the meeting focused on Iran’s nuclear program and preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Rice noted that she had previously met with Lavrov solely to discuss Iran. She said, “We agreed that no one wants Iran to acquire nuclear weapons and we must do everything we can to prevent it. Our concern is Iran’s reprocessing and enrichment capability. It is crucial to prevent Iran from developing these; it is dangerous and could evolve into a military program. We shared the report on Iran’s weaponization efforts with the Russians.”

The possibility of referring Iran’s nuclear program to the UN Security Council was discussed. Russia opposed the idea, arguing it might encourage Iran to follow North Korea’s path toward nuclear weapons. Notably, Putin initially referenced a potential military action against Iran, stating, “Our concern is that immediate referral might push Iran toward the North Korean path. If they truly seek nuclear weapons, we lose control over what happens in Iran. Then what must be done? Attack? Who? Where? What targets? Are you sure about your intelligence? It’s important to base our stance on facts.”

Putin added, “But I agree with George. If Iran violates international law as outlined here, then we have the right to take the issue to the Security Council.”

The meeting took place one month after Mahmoud Ahmadinejad assumed the presidency. Putin said he had spoken with Ahmadinejad for an hour and twenty minutes, warning that Iran would become isolated if it did not continue nuclear negotiations with Europe.

Military Option on the Table

Bush, citing Israel’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, emphasized that although a military option was “bad,” it had to remain on the table. He said, “A military option is bad, but we cannot remove it entirely. Ariel Sharon [then Israeli Prime Minister] is considering it. If you or I were in his position, we would consider it too. Iran’s nuclear bomb truly terrifies the Israelis.”

Bush stressed, “Diplomacy must work. If Sharon feels an attack is necessary, the situation could spiral out of control. I’m not saying it’s inevitable, but the most likely military reaction would come from Israel.” He clarified that the U.S. did not target Israel’s potential strikes.

2008: Final Meeting—“They Are Crazy”

The third document relates to Bush’s 2008 meeting with Putin at the Russian presidential residence in Sochi. Iran’s nuclear program remained a key topic.

Putin stated, “Everything regarding Iran is under control,” but noted that Iran sometimes sought to conduct matters secretly, adding, “We catch them and they are punished.” Rice confirmed clandestine activities at the Arak nuclear facility.

Bush referred to a Russian proposal to supply nuclear fuel to Iran’s reactors to prevent enrichment. He told Putin, “Your plan was very clever. Iranian leaders say they want civilian nuclear power; we say fine, it’s your right. Russia says here’s the fuel; no need for enrichment. If they enrich, it shows they do not want civilian power—they want something more.”

Putin highlighted that sending S-300 missile systems to Iran was conditional on Tehran’s behavior: “We signed a contract with them four years ago, but it has not been implemented.” Bush replied, “Thank you. They are crazy.” Putin responded, “They are completely crazy.”