Russian and Israeli Presidents discussed Iran’s nuclear program

Israel has urged visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin to take a stronger line on curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Mr. Putin is on his first Middle East tour in seven years, aiming to bolster Russia's diplomatic presence.

He said he had discussed Iran and Syria in great detail and negotiations on both were the only solution, the BBC reports.

Mr. Putin had begun his visit by inaugurating a Soviet Red Army memorial in Netanya to pay tribute to fallen soldiers of World War II.

Later Israeli President Shimon Peres stepped up the pressure on Mr. Putin, making a "personal request that you make your voice heard against a nuclear Iran" and warning of a "real danger that Syrian chemical weapons will reach the hands of Hezbollah and al-Qaeda".