Moscow signals readiness to assist Washington–Tehran negotiations

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has said that Russia is prepared to assist in facilitating negotiations between Washington and Iran, while emphasising that such support would only be provided upon request.

In an interview with TASS, Ryabkov stated: “Russia is ready to provide all possible assistance in resolving this conflict, as is well known to its parties. At the same time, we have never imposed and are not going to impose our services, but in the event of a corresponding request, we will extend a helping hand.”

He underlined that Iran’s current leadership, like its predecessors, maintains a commitment not to acquire nuclear weapons. “No one disputes that the Islamic Republic of Iran should not have nuclear weapons. This has always been agreed upon by both the former and current leadership of the Islamic Republic,” he said.

Ryabkov added that the international community relies on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the primary framework for addressing nuclear-related concerns, noting that Iran has never withdrawn from the agreement.

He further stressed that the treaty guarantees Iran’s right to develop peaceful nuclear energy under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, including uranium enrichment, describing this right as inviolable. “Only the Iranian people themselves determine how to properly exercise it, based on their national interests,” he added.

Ryabkov also dismissed claims that Iran may be considering withdrawal from the treaty, describing such assertions as inappropriate and unfounded.

By Tamilla Hasanova