Russia has strongly condemned military threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning that any attack could have severe humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. The statement was made by Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, during a recent session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Board of Governors.
The ongoing tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program has raised global concerns, with Western nations and Israel advocating for tougher measures, while Russia and China call for diplomatic engagement.
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Russia’s Stance: No Military Solution
Ulyanov emphasized that Iran has been the subject of continuous and rigorous IAEA inspections, making it one of the most verified nuclear programs in the world. He dismissed allegations that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons as unfounded and politically motivated.
“Such an escalation will eliminate any chances of a diplomatic resolution and could trigger regional instability with catastrophic humanitarian consequences,” Ulyanov warned.
Iran’s Verified Compliance with IAEA Standards
Despite ongoing criticism from the West, Iran continues to comply with extensive nuclear verification measures under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Ulyanov highlighted that the IAEA spends over €10 million annually on inspections related to Iran’s nuclear activities, underscoring the transparency of Iran’s nuclear program compared to some non-nuclear states that openly discuss developing military nuclear capabilities.
Growing Pressure from the U.S. and Israel
Despite Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA, the United States and Israel continue to escalate pressure:
- Elbridge Colby, a nominee for the position of U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, recently called for a credible military deterrent against Iran.
- Israel has already conducted attacks on Iranian sites. In October 2024, Tel Aviv launched what it described as “precise and targeted” strikes, allegedly hitting a nuclear research facility. However, Iran dismissed the damage as minimal and fully repaired.
These developments have raised fears of further escalation in the Middle East.
Call for Diplomatic Solutions Before JCPOA Completion Day
With six months left until the JCPOA’s “Completion Day”, Russia is urging all parties to prioritize diplomatic efforts over threats of military action.
“The diplomatic path remains open, but political will is necessary to pursue it,” Ulyanov stated, calling on IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to facilitate constructive dialogue.
The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, reinstating sanctions on Iran and further straining relations. Although Iran initially remained compliant, it gradually reduced its commitments after continued economic pressure from the U.S. and its European allies.
Russia Rejects European “Snapback” Sanctions Threat
Russia also dismissed threats from the UK, France, and Germany to invoke the JCPOA’s “snapback” mechanism, which would restore UN sanctions on Iran.
Ulyanov pointed out that these countries had already violated their own commitments under the nuclear deal, making their attempts to enforce penalties both hypocritical and legally invalid. He cited:
- A 1971 ruling by the International Court of Justice,
- A 2020 UN Security Council rejection of a similar U.S. attempt to reimpose sanctions.
“We urge Berlin, London, and Paris to abandon their illusions about the snapback and instead seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis they helped create,” Ulyanov asserted.
Iran’s Response: Defending Sovereignty and Nuclear Rights
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, aligning with a fatwa (religious decree) by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which explicitly bans the development and stockpiling of nuclear weapons.
Ulyanov also noted that Iran fully complied with the JCPOA and Additional Protocol until February 2021, even after the U.S. abandoned the deal. However, Iran had no choice but to gradually reduce its commitments in response to unilateral sanctions and economic pressure.
Russia believes that triggering the snapback mechanism now would be both illegal and counterproductive, as it would further erode trust in diplomatic negotiations.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Diplomacy Over Conflict
Russia’s latest statements emphasize that military threats and economic sanctions will not resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. Instead, Moscow urges all parties to engage in meaningful diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional crisis.
As global tensions rise, the coming months will be critical in determining whether diplomacy prevails or if the situation escalates toward conflict.
Why This Matters to You
This issue has global implications, affecting oil prices, regional stability, and international security. For individuals and businesses, understanding these developments can help anticipate potential economic and geopolitical shifts.
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