MOSCOW, April 19: The United States on Wednesday called for an end to Russia’s cooperation with Iran in building the latter’s first civilian nuclear power station and also suggested halting a sale of Russian missiles.

“We also think it is important for countries to stop cooperation with Iran on nuclear issues, even on civilian nuclear issues like the Bushehr facility,” Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns told journalists in Moscow.

Mr Burns made clear that he was talking about various countries’ work with Iran’s nuclear industry. However, Russia is Iran’s biggest nuclear partner and is building the country’s first atomic power station at Bushehr.

“A number of countries are continuing to permit the export of dual-use materials that could be used, and we think in some cases are being used, to help the growth of Iran’s nuclear industry,” Mr Burns said.

“It is the view of my government that it would be appropriate now for those individual governments to stop that practice and no longer permit it.”—AFP