Russia rejects sanctions on Iran, calls for diplomatic solution to nuclear issue

Russia has reiterated its stance against sanctions imposed on Iran, calling them illegal and emphasizing Tehran's right to develop a peaceful nuclear energy sector.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov made these remarks while responding to questions about the Iranian nuclear dossier, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“The Iranian side has never said a single word about the intention to obtain nuclear weapons in their country, in their use. So in this respect, of course, all sanctions, all restrictions are illegal in our perception. Therefore, it is necessary to continue diplomatic efforts to solve this problem,” Peskov stated.

His comments follow high-level discussions between representatives from Russia, Iran, and China on Iran’s nuclear program. The talks took place in Beijing on March 14 and were chaired by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. Russia was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, while Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi attended on behalf of Tehran.

According to Peskov, all necessary reports from these discussions will be “provided in a timely manner” to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to supporting Iran in the peaceful development of nuclear energy.

“We proceed from the fact that our Iranian friends have the right to develop in their country the peaceful nuclear energy sector, nuclear power, the creation of an entire industry. You know, the Russian side is taking an active part in this, we are helping our Iranian friends in this regard,” he added.

The meeting in Beijing comes amid growing concerns from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. According to the agency’s latest report, Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium has significantly increased since November 2024, when the IAEA criticized Tehran for “insufficient cooperation.” The report highlights that Iran has doubled its reserves of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level approaching weapons-grade material.

Despite these concerns, Russia continues to advocate for a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, maintaining that Iran has the right to pursue nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

By Tamilla Hasanova