Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has defended Iran\u2019s inalienable right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, saying that Russia accepts any decision that suits the Iranian side. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lavrov asserted that Moscow is prepared to assist in resolving issues surrounding Iran\u2019s nuclear program. He was echoing the stance that \u201cevery country has the right to enrich uranium exclusively for peaceful purposes,\u201d a right he affirmed extends to the Islamic Republic. \u201cRussia will accept any decision that suits the Iranian side\u201d within these \u201clegitimate rights,\u201d Lavrov stated, highlighting Moscow\u2019s readiness to play a role in any potential resolution concerning enriched uranium. He outlined possible contributions, including reprocessing highly enriched uranium into fuel for nuclear power plants or transferring specified amounts to Russia for storage, all while respecting Iran\u2019s right to civilian nuclear energy. Lavrov said Russia will accept any decision by Iran regarding enriched uranium, noting he has discussed the issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and with US, Israeli, and Iranian representatives, and that the topic has arisen repeatedly in contacts involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. The top Russian diplomat emphasized that Iran has never sought to militarize its nuclear program and that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no evidence of diversion for military objectives. He recalled Moscow\u2019s active role in the 2015 nuclear deal, particularly in managing Iran\u2019s enriched uranium. He also criticized European nations for failing to condemn Washington\u2019s withdrawal from the pact while demanding Tehran\u2019s continued adherence. The remarks come amid significant regional tensions, including a recent US blockade of Iranian ports and claims by US President Donald Trump that a resolution is imminent. The core dispute over uranium enrichment persists, with the US demanding \u201czero enrichment\u201d while Iran maintains its right to enrichment for civilian use. Lavrov also characterized the situation in West Asia as a complex \u201ccrisis knot\u201d that is difficult to resolve through simple means. He argued that Iran\u2019s actions, such as blocking the Strait of Hormuz, are a direct consequence of perceived aggression from the United States and Israel. \u201cMy friends from the Arab states of the [Persian] Gulf and I have been talking regularly\u2026 and they cannot object to the thesis\u2026 that Iran would have taken some steps\u2026 if not for Washington and Israel\u2019s aggression,\u201d Lavrov stated, adding that Arab counterparts agree with this assessment. He further noted that Russia is prepared to supply energy resources to China and other nations affected by the crisis, recalling prior discussions on the matter. Lavrov criticized an aggressive campaign by certain countries aiming for Iran\u2019s destruction, referencing a past hostile statement by Trump. Underscoring Russia\u2019s diplomatic approach, Lavrov insisted that Iran-US negotiations, which began in Pakistan, should continue. He confirmed that Moscow and Beijing support realistic and lawful objectives and are ready to assist these talks in various external formats. On February 28, the United States and Israel initiated a large-scale and unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders. In response, the Iranian Armed Forces carried out a series of retaliatory missile and drone operations against US and Israeli military assets for over 40 days, which resulted in significant damage. A two-week ceasefire was brokered on April 8, followed by negotiations in Islamabad, where Iran proposed a ten-point plan seeking US troops\u2019 withdrawal and the lifting of sanctions. Despite 21 hours of intensive discussions, the negotiations ended without an agreement, with Iran citing a lack of trust in US commitments. Trump later announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at intercepting vessels that had paid tolls to Iran. The US military said that the blockade would begin on Monday at 1400 GMT, escalating the situation further.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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