Bush calls Putin to discuss Iran nuke issue

US President George W Bush called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss Iran's nuclear issue, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

US President George W Bush called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss Iran's nuclear issue, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

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During the telephonic conversation, Bush stressed the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, including efforts currently underway in the UN Security Council, McClellan said.

The two leaders also agreed to continue their dialogue on the thorny issue, McClellan said.

The US, along with Britain and France, has been hoping to push the UN Security Council to pass a resolution to punish Iran for its non-compliance. However, Russia has been reluctant to see Iran under sanctions.

Iran has said that its nuclear programmes are only for civilian purposes and it will not obey the UN sanctions.