Kremlin denies US-Russia intelligence deal claims, warns against Bushehr strike

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed as "false" media reports Monday alleging that Russia had offered the United States to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine in exchange for a similar arrangement regarding Iran. The denial came as Moscow reiterated its position on resolving the Middle East conflict through diplomatic means.

Nuclear plant warning

Commenting on US threats to strike Iranian power stations, Peskov issued a sharp warning against targeting the Bushehr nuclear power plant, which was constructed by Russia. "We consider strikes on nuclear facilities to be potentially extremely dangerous and fraught with possibly even irreversible consequences," he told a press briefing in Moscow. He added that Russia has conveyed its concerns to both Washington and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Diplomatic path urged

"We have seen this report, certainly. It falls into the category of untruthful, or more precisely, false reports," Peskov said when asked about the intelligence-sharing claims. He reiterated Russia's support for a political and diplomatic settlement in the Middle East, stating that "that is the only thing that can effectively help defuse the catastrophically tense situation that has currently developed in the region."

North Korea visit pending

Asked about a potential visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to Russia, Peskov confirmed that the invitation remains open. Once the timing is agreed upon through diplomatic channels, "such a visit can take place. Of course, Russia will always be glad to welcome the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," he said.