On May 19 (Moscow time), TASS news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov as saying that Iran's new leadership still maintains its position of not possessing nuclear weapons, similar to previous generations of leaders.
No one thinks that the Islamic Republic of Iran needs to have nuclear weapons. This is a view that has been accepted by both previous and current Iranian leaders," Mr. Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS.
According to Mr. Ryabkov, the obligations related to this issue have been clearly stipulated in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). He emphasized that Iran has never declared a renunciation to its obligations under this treaty.
In addition, Russian officials said that the NPT also guarantees Iran the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
This treaty allows Iran to develop civilian nuclear energy, including uranium enrichment activities, under the supervision of the IAEA," Mr. Ryabkov said.
According to the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, this is a right that cannot be deprived and should not be interpreted in political terms from outside.
Mr. Ryabkov emphasized that the decision on how to use this right belongs to Iran, based on its national interests.
Mr. Ryabkov's statement was made in the context of the US and Iran continuing negotiations related to Tehran's nuclear program. Washington has repeatedly stated that it will not accept Iran's possession of nuclear weapons, while Tehran affirms that its nuclear program only serves civilian purposes.
Russia has long supported a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear dossier and believes that Tehran has the right to develop civilian nuclear technology within the framework of international law.
Iranian officials have also repeatedly affirmed over the years that the country does not pursue nuclear weapons and is ready to prove that its nuclear program only serves peaceful purposes.
Iran has not yet commented on Mr. Ryabkov's new statement.
