Russia has condemned threats of military action against Iran’s nuclear sites, warning of serious consequences and emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. Mikhail Ulyanov highlighted Iran’s verified status with the IAEA, contrasting it with non-nuclear states that criticize it. Despite US assertions of military options, Iran maintains a nuclear weapons ban. Ulyanov called for renewed diplomatic efforts, stressing the importance of cooperation as the JCPOA deadline nears.
Russia has vehemently criticized threats of military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, emphasizing that such measures would lead to disastrous outcomes. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, stated during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors session that ongoing accusations toward Iran are unacceptable and that military threats are particularly concerning. He warned that such escalations could sabotage any diplomatic resolutions and cause significant humanitarian and radiological damage beyond just Iran and the Middle East.
Ulyanov clarified that Iran is the most rigorously verified member of the IAEA, contrasting this with the non-nuclear states that often critique it, some of which publicly consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. He noted the substantial financial commitment to IAEA’s verification efforts with regard to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and referenced recent figures from the Agency to underscore the continued verification activities being carried out in Iran.
Amidst this, Elbridge Colby, the US undersecretary of defense nominee, emphasized the need for credible military options to deter Iran’s potential nuclear weapon development, despite Iran’s own doctrine, which prohibits the pursuit of nuclear weapons based on a religious decree from its leader. Israel has also threatened military action against Iran, having already executed precise assaults on Iranian sites, including a nuclear research facility last October, although Iran claims these attacks did not cause significant harm.
Ulyanov stressed the importance of giving diplomacy another chance, stressing that all parties should engage constructively as the JCPOA’s “Completion Day” approaches. He pointed out that cooperation from the IAEA Director General could be vital for dialogue, while highlighting that the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, reinstating sanctions that had been previously lifted.
The UK, France, and Germany have not fulfilled their pledge to restore the US to the agreement and have echoed Washington’s move to reimpose sanctions against Iran. Ulyanov reminded them of their violations that forfeited their rights to invoke JCPOA mechanisms, advocating for a diplomatic resolution rather than a focus on reinstating unproductive sanctions, which he characterized as based on illusions.
He criticized Western nations for their inconsistent application of commitments under the JCPOA and asserted that Iran has shown significant patience despite the US’s aggressive policies. Although Tehran has started to reduce its compliance with the agreement in response to these pressures, Ulyanov maintained that Iran is willing to return to full compliance if the US and its allies reciprocate with constructive measures. He concluded that the current Western stance is more opportunistic than genuine, hindering the resolution of the issues at hand.
In summary, Russia has strongly opposed threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities, highlighting the detrimental effects of military escalation. Diplomatic engagement remains crucial as the JCPOA’s Completion Day approaches. Iran’s rigorous IAEA verification status contrasts with the actions of several non-nuclear states. Both Russia and Iran express readiness for constructive dialogue if approached by the West with sincerity, overcoming unjust sanctions and restoring compliance to the JCPOA.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
