The Kremlin stated on Friday that Western sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear programme were unlawful and should be removed.
This declaration came during a meeting in Beijing with officials from both Iran and Russia, where China played host. Moscow and Beijing reaffirmed their support for Tehran amidst U.S. calls for nuclear negotiations. Senior diplomats from China and Russia emphasized that any future talks should proceed on the basis of “mutual respect.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the press that Iran had never declared intentions to pursue nuclear weapons, but had every right to develop its civilian nuclear energy capabilities, an area where Moscow is providing assistance.
“Iran has never stated it intends to acquire nuclear weapons,” Peskov said, adding that, based on this, all sanctions and restrictions imposed on the country were “illegal.”
He further emphasized that diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the issue should remain a priority.