Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready to transport and store Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, Al Jazeera reports.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Putin said Russia had transported enriched uranium out of Iran in 2015 and was prepared “to repeat this experience”.

He said all parties to the conflict had agreed to have the uranium moved out of Iran. “But then the United States hardened its position and demanded that the uranium be transported exclusively to US territory. Iran then hardened its position.”

Moscow will remain in contact with both Washington and Tehran, Putin said, adding that he hopes the conflict will end “as quickly as possible”.

There was no immediate comment from Iran.