WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- U.S. President George W. Bush and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had a telephone talk over Iran's nuclear issue on Wednesday, the White House said.

    Bush renewed his support for Putin's compromise proposal, under which Russia would safeguard spent nuclear fuel in an effort to ensure that Iran does not develop atomic weapons, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

    "Both leaders have a shared concern about Iran developing a nuclear weapon under the guise of a civilian program," McClellan said.

    The dialogue between Bush and Putin occurred when the International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to discuss in Vienna on Thursday to send Iran's nuclear issue before the United Nations Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

    The United States accuses Iran of trying to build atomic weapons. Iran denies this, saying its nuclear program is only for generating electricity. Enditem