Russia has condemned threats of military force against Iran’s nuclear facilities, asserting that such actions would have catastrophic consequences. Mikhail Ulyanov emphasized the importance of diplomacy over military intervention, pointing out Iran’s substantial compliance with verification efforts by the IAEA. He criticized the West for its unilateral exit from the JCPOA and warned against threats of sanctions or military action that could escalate tensions significantly.
Russia has condemned the threats of military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, warning of severe consequences. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, expressed that ongoing accusations against Iran are unacceptable and emphasized that calls for military intervention, based on unfounded claims of Iranian nuclear weapon ambitions, would hinder any potential diplomatic resolution and could escalate into military conflict with dire humanitarian impacts.
Ulyanov highlighted that Iran is currently the most scrutinized member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contradicting claims from non-nuclear states that criticize it. He noted the substantial financial investment, exceeding 10 million euros annually, for IAEA verifications under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), showcasing the agency’s extensive monitoring efforts in Iran.
Elbridge Colby, a US defense policy nominee, recently stressed the importance of credible military options to deter Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons, despite Iran’s official stance against such weapons, as expressed in a fatwa from Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Additionally, Israel has engaged in military actions against Iran, though Iran asserts no significant damage has occurred and that repairs have been completed.
Ulyanov urged that in the six months leading to the JCPOA’s completion date, diplomatic engagement with Iran must be prioritized. He emphasized the need for political will to utilize the available diplomatic resources, noting that the IAEA Director General could play a constructive role in resolving tensions.
The US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, reinstating sanctions and imposing additional ones under the previous administration’s pressure policy. The European trio of the UK, France, and Germany failed to assist in re-engagement with the agreement and have threatened to enact a “snapback” mechanism for sanctions against Iran, which Ulyanov contended is unjustified given their own violations of the JCPOA.
Ulyanov called for these nations to abandon their misconceptions regarding the snapback provision and instead seek diplomatic solutions to the current crisis. He acknowledged Iran’s measured patience during the previous sanctions period and its compliance with the JCPOA until early 2021, after which it began to reduce its commitments, exercising its rights under international agreements.
The envoy remarked that engaging the snapback mechanism would be reckless and illegal, as the nations punishing Iran for its nuclear activities are also those that have failed to uphold their commitments under the JCPOA. He reiterated Iran’s readiness to fully comply with the agreement if reciprocal actions were taken by the US and its allies, which have been hindered by a lack of sincere engagement in negotiations.
Overall, Ulyanov’s statements underscore the delicate nature of nuclear diplomacy in relation to Iran, emphasizing that threats and military pursuits could irreparably damage the diplomatic landscape.
Russia’s condemnation of military threats against Iran reflects a call for diplomatic resolutions rather than escalatory actions. Ulyanov’s remarks highlight Iran’s compliance with international agreements and the risks of undermining diplomatic efforts through military posturing. Thus, a collaborative approach among nations, rather than punitive measures, is essential to address nuclear concerns and uphold international agreements like the JCPOA.
Original Source: www.presstv.ir
