The withdrawal of international inspectors comes amid heightened concerns that Iran, battered by Israeli and U.S. strikes, may be driven to try to build a nuclear bomb.
The apparent impasse came during a roughly hourlong conversation between the leaders on Thursday morning.
The apparent impasse came during a roughly hourlong conversation between the leaders on Thursday morning.
Iran just ended its cooperation with international inspectors, suggesting no post-bombing deal is imminent. That may point to a long game of hide-and-seek, punctuated by military action.
The decision means that international inspectors will not be able to oversee sites. Experts have warned that Tehran could revive plans to build a bomb.
Rear Adm. Ali Shamkhani was seen struggling to walk with a cane at a funeral procession this weekend for military commanders killed in the 12-day war.
It was the two leaders’ first call since 2022, and the Russian president’s first with any major European leader since last year.
It was the two leaders’ first call since 2022, and the Russian president’s first with any major European leader since last year.