Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Sunday with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro where he restated Moscow’s offer to broker the long-running disputes regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
In accordance with a press release issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov unequivocally condemned recent Israel and United States airstrikes on Iranian soil, specifically the nuclear energy facilities under the protection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The attacks were labeled in the statement as an infringement on international norms.
Lavrov underlined that all issues around Iran’s nuclear program need to be worked out through diplomacy, repeating Moscow’s willingness to facilitate dialogue and provide constructive solutions. “Moscow reaffirmed its willingness to help achieve mutually acceptable solutions, including proposals earlier presented by President Vladimir Putin,” the ministry added.
The two foreign ministers also talked about regional security and the role that Russia might play in de-escalating tensions between Iran and its enemies. Lavrov restated Russia’s position that Iran is within its rights to build a peaceful nuclear energy programme under international supervision. Iran insists that it has no desire to build nuclear weapons.
Russia has suggested acting as a mediator in the escalating confrontation between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv, and has also offered to hold Iranian-enriched uranium in a bid to halt further escalation.
Araqchi’s visit to Moscow follows his earlier talks held during the height of last month’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. Moscow has continued to advocate for diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolutions while deepening its strategic, though not defense-bound, partnership with Iran.
The BRICS summit, which gathered leaders from world major emerging markets, has offered a platform for Moscow and Tehran to synchronize their stances and appeal for a downscaling of tensions in the Middle East.
