President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have discussed the Lebanon crisis and tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, the Kremlin said.

President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is ready to put aside differences over the war in Iraq to work with the US on rebuilding the country and may send troops to the country.

Iran led international media on a tour of its first nuclear power plant today, an invitation that followed US accusations that it is designed for weapons technology, not energy production.