U.S. President George W. Bush called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday to discuss Iran's nuclear issue, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

During the telephone call, Bush stressed the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, including efforts currently underway in the United Nations Security Council, McClellan said.

The two leaders also agreed to continue their dialogue on the thorny issue, McClellan said.

The United States, along with Britain and France, have been hoping to push the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution to punish Iran for its noncompliance. However, Russia has been reluctant to see Iran under sanctions.

Iran has said that its nuclear programs are for civilian purposes only and will not obey the United Nations sanctions.

Source: Xinhua