Lavrov Affirms Iran’s Right to Peaceful Uranium Enrichment Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, told Al Arabiya that Iran has the right to peaceful uranium enrichment and will cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors if their activities resume. He also stated that Tehran is prepared to reduce enrichment levels to those necessary for non-military purposes.
Referring to the recent 12-day conflict against Iran, Lavrov described it as having negative consequences and called an attack on nuclear facilities a dangerous act. He added that Iran has always declared its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The Russian foreign minister mentioned Moscow’s close ties with Iranian leaders but expressed concern over certain approaches within the United Nations, which he claimed are influenced by European countries. He alleged that Europe has sought to reinstate sanctions on Iran.
Lavrov also said that Arab countries do not want a new escalation of tensions in the region. Highlighting relations between Moscow and Riyadh, he described Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner of Russia in the Middle East and added that the OPEC+ coalition plays a responsible role in the global energy market.
He emphasized that Moscow values its relations with Arab countries and maintains contact with the Arab world regarding significant international issues.
On the Palestinian issue, Lavrov stressed the necessity of Palestinian unity and said opposing the establishment of a Palestinian state does not serve regional security. He condemned statements labeling all Gaza residents as “terrorists” as unacceptable.
According to him, Russia and China abstained from voting on a resolution known as the “Peace Council” at the request of Arab countries. Lavrov stated that Palestinian participation is a decisive factor for the success of any peace plan and said Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow is ready to allocate one billion dollars to rebuild Palestine.
He concluded with a warning about rising tensions in the West Bank, saying the situation is escalating and there is a risk of it spiraling out of control.
