According to Khabaronline, an Iranian news agency, Speaking in an interview aired Monday night on Iran’s state television channel IRIB News, Lavrov stressed that Russia “will always act in support of Iran and its lawful rights,” noting that Tehran has repeatedly stated it does not seek war and prefers resolving issues through dialogue.
JCPOA and Western Policies
Lavrov accused European countries and the West of attempting to blame Iran for the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the JCPOA, despite Iran’s compliance. He said the agreement was effectively abandoned by the United States in 2018 and that Europe followed Washington’s lead.
“The entire international order regarding Iran is now being severely tested,” Lavrov said, adding that no credible evidence has been presented by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Israel, or the United States to prove Iranian violations.
Contacts with the US, Criticism of Europe
The Russian foreign minister said Moscow maintains communication channels with both Iran and the US on the Iranian issue, while criticizing Europe for refusing dialogue with Russia.
“Europeans are trapped in delusions of grandeur,” Lavrov said, adding that Russia has little to discuss with current European leaders but continues to convey its views on stabilizing the situation around Iran to Washington.
Condemnation of Attacks on Iran
Lavrov condemned what he described as Israeli aggression against Iran carried out with US cooperation, calling the attacks illegitimate. He said Russia is prepared to help Iran overcome tensions both with the IAEA and the West.
He added that President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia will support any position chosen by Iran’s leadership in line with the interests of its people.
Expanding Iran–Russia Cooperation
Highlighting bilateral relations, Lavrov rejected Western claims that Russia sacrifices allies to improve ties elsewhere, saying there is no example of Moscow betraying long-standing partners.
He noted that Russia and Iran have extensive plans for cooperation, including economic ties and close collaboration on all three routes of the North–South Transport Corridor. He also criticized Western efforts to influence the Caspian region and divide its five littoral states.
Sanctions and Nuclear Rights
Lavrov described the reimposition of sanctions on Iran as a “disgrace for European diplomacy,” accusing Britain, France, and Germany of deceit in pursuing renewed sanctions.
He reaffirmed Russia’s support for Iran’s “unconditional right” to peaceful nuclear energy, pointing to the Bushehr nuclear power plant as a major ongoing joint project and emphasizing the determination of both countries’ presidents to expand relations.
Regional Security and the Persian Gulf
On Iran’s relations with the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council, Lavrov said the format holds strong potential for enhancing regional security. He expressed hope that normalization of ties, particularly between Iran and Saudi Arabia, would contribute to stronger regional security mechanisms.
Russia Supports Iran
Lavrov, in response to a question about whether Russia would stand by Iran if it were to face a war beyond the 12-day conflict, said: “As I mentioned, we have a strategic partnership agreement with Iran, and we will always act in support of Iran and in defense of the lawful rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran. ”
“In recent months, Iran has repeatedly stated clearly that it has no interest in war, no interest in new conflicts, and that it seeks to resolve any issue through dialogue. I once again emphasize that whatever challenges may arise, we fully support this position based on respect for the sovereign and legal rights of Iran, he added.
Broader Criticism of the West
Lavrov also criticized Western sanctions policies, including the freezing of assets belonging to Iran, Venezuela, and other countries, calling such actions a sign of growing tendencies toward confiscation.
He argued that the West increasingly resorts to “unfair and anti-market methods” to suppress competitors, citing sanctions against major Russian energy companies.
“Washington’s priority is confronting China,” Lavrov said, adding that Europe should focus on its own affairs rather than relying on the United States.
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