MOSCOW (AP) Russia's President Vladimir Putin says that there is a "real chance" to end a standoff over the Iranian nuclear program.
Putin made the statement in a phone conversation with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, according to Monday's statement issued by the Kremlin.
It said Rouhani praised Russia's efforts to help negotiate a settlement. Russia is part of the group of six international mediators along with the U.S., Britain, France, China and Germany.
A round of negotiations earlier this month failed to produce a deal between Iran and the six nations that would end a decade-long standoff over Iran's nuclear program. Tehran has insisted it's for peaceful purposes, but others worry it could serve as a cover for building nuclear weapons. The talks are set to resume this week in Geneva.
