Russia's Putin says going to Iran despite "plot"

WIESBADEN, Germany, Oct 15 (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin said today he would go ahead with a trip to Iran, following a Russian news agency report about a plot to kill him in Tehran.

When asked if he would go ahead with his visit, Putin said: ''Of course I am going to Iran.'' He was speaking to reporters at a news briefing with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Putin said he would discuss Iran's nuclear programme with the country's leadership. He warned the international community against trying to scare Iran and urged peaceful means to resolve concerns over Iran's programme.

Putin's visit to Iran, the first by a Kremlin leader to Iran since Josef Stalin in 1943, has drawn intense interest because of Russia's role as a mediator in six-power talks designed to rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Russia's Interfax news agency reported last evening, citing a single unnamed security source, that Putin had been warned by his special services of a possible assassination plot during his visit to Tehran this week.

Reuters SKB GC1752