Russia today expressed its unwavering support for Iran’s right to use nuclear technology peacefully and noted that any attempts by any party or individual to deny Tehran this right would violate international agreements and compromise global nuclear governance.
At a press conference held in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations stated that Iran as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has every right to pursue civilian nuclear energy under international safeguards.
Ulyanov stated, “Iran, like any NPT member state in good standing, has an inherent right to peaceful nuclear technologies including enrichment for power generation, medical purposes and research,” adding: “This right must be respected and protected from political manipulation or unilateral pressure.
Iranian officials maintain that their nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducts regular inspections at key Iranian sites. Their remarks come amid renewed tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program following reports of covert attacks against Iranian facilities and Western powers’ demands for stricter restrictions. Iranian authorities maintain that all their nuclear activities are nonviolent; any possible covert attacks would violate international treaties that govern their activities as per IAEA standards and inspection programs are ongoing at various Iranian nuclear facilities.
Russia, an important player in past nuclear negotiations including the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has long maintained that diplomacy rather than military threats or sabotage is the only sustainable path toward nonproliferation while upholding sovereign rights.
Ulyanov warned of the perils associated with politicizing nuclear energy access. Threats or attacks against Iran’s civilian nuclear program not only violate international law, but may push the region closer towards conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Russia’s statement as a confirmation of international legal norms, calling it a reaffirmation of international legal norms and our sovereign right to peaceful nuclear development. We appreciate Russia’s principled position,” according to Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani, adding: “Iran remains committed to both the NPT and transparency with IAEA.”
Tehran also renewed its calls for international condemnation of recent acts of sabotage aimed at its nuclear infrastructure, which it blames on Israel. Explosions and cyberattacks have damaged key facilities over the last year, heightening regional tensions and raising fears of wider conflict.
Although Israel has yet to make an official comment, they have previously indicated their intent to act by any means necessary in order to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities. Iran insists they do not plan to build such arms and accuses Israel and some Western powers of fabricating false allegations as justifications for aggression against their nation.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi recently advised Iran that full cooperation must continue to prevent further escalation.
Russia has issued a call for renewed multilateral talks among JCPOA signatories and stressed the importance of de-escalation, diplomacy, and adherence to international norms. “Mutual respect and legal commitments–not confrontation–are the cornerstones of global nuclear stability,” Ulyanov concluded.