MOSCOW — Russia has reaffirmed its support for Iran’s right to develop a peaceful nuclear program, just days before high-level talks between the United States and Israel on Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Friday that Iran is acting in accordance with international law and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to address concerns over its nuclear ambitions.
“Iran, like all other countries, has the right to develop the peaceful atomic sector and is taking important steps in this direction. All of this is happening in strict compliance with international law,” Peskov said during a press briefing. He added that Moscow accepts Iran’s repeated assurances that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.
The statement comes as the US and Israel prepare for discussions on Iran’s nuclear program, which has long been a point of contention in the region. Russia, which signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran in January, including closer defense cooperation, has offered to mediate between Tehran and Washington.
The issue was reportedly discussed during a recent phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. According to the White House, both leaders agreed that Iran should never be in a position to threaten Israel.
When asked how Russia would respond if the US or Israel launched military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance that the issue should be resolved through “peaceful political and diplomatic means.” He stressed that all necessary tools for such a resolution are available, provided there is sufficient political will.
Trump recently warned Iran’s leadership in a letter that they must choose between negotiating a nuclear deal with the US or facing potential military action. Iran responded by stating it would consider both the “opportunities” and threats outlined in the letter.
The US withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 under Trump’s administration. Following the withdrawal and the reimposition of sanctions, Iran began breaching the deal’s limits on its nuclear activities, raising concerns among Western nations.
Western officials fear that if Iran were to acquire nuclear weapons, it could pose a significant threat to Israel and Gulf Arab states, potentially triggering a regional arms race. Israel, which is widely believed to possess its own nuclear arsenal, has consistently aligned itself with the US on taking a hardline stance against Iran.
As tensions simmer, Russia’s call for diplomacy highlights its role as a potential mediator in the ongoing dispute, even as it strengthens its ties with Iran.
