BEIJING, Jan.17 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin is warning against "rash or erroneous" moves in tackling the dispute over Iran's nuclear program.

    At the close of talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Moscow, Putin says Tehran has not ruled out a Russian proposal to enrich uranium for Iran on Russian territory.

    "We've heard various opinions from our Iranian partners on that issue. One of them has come from the Foreign Ministry. Our partner told us they did not exclude the implementation of our proposal. In any case, it's necessary to work carefully and avoid any sharp, erroneous moves."

    He adds the Russian compromise deal is still in play.

    The Russian proposal to enrich uranium on Iran's behalf has been welcomed by the West as a possible way out of the Iranian nuclear question, but has yet to receive a definite response from the Iranians themselves.

    Putin also pledges continued cooperation with Europe and the United States in promoting a solution to the issue.