Araghchi: Unrealistic Demands Will Undermine Nuclear Deal Talks

“Relations between the two countries are developing dynamically, despite the very difficult situation in the region and the world, and despite attempts to exert pressure to limit the development of both Iran and the Russian Federation,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference after a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, CE Report quotes MIA.

One of the topics discussed was the opposition to unilateral illegal sanctions.

“These sanctions not only create problems for the countries against which they are imposed, but also cause even greater problems for the countries implementing the restrictions and for international trade, as they severely limit freedom of competition,” Lavrov emphasized.

He added that they agreed to continue cooperation in order to minimize and nullify the impact of these sanctions, both through international platforms and bilaterally.

According to him, they are fully confident they will succeed.

Lavrov also noted that on April 8, the Russian State Duma ratified the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran, and on April 16, the Federation Council adopted the law for ratification.

“We are confident that the entry into force of this historic document will have the most positive impact on our cooperation in all areas,” he said.

Trade between the two countries is increasing despite the severe sanctions imposed by the West on Russia and Iran.

“I believe the negotiations were useful, timely, and we will continue to implement the principled agreements of our presidents,” Lavrov added, emphasizing that he would remain in close contact with his Iranian counterpart.

Araghchi noted that relations between Russia and Iran have never reached such a high level.

They also discussed the upcoming negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled for tomorrow. According to Araghchi, Iran will participate with full willingness and seriousness to seek a solution regarding its peaceful nuclear program. He also expressed doubt about the sincerity of the U.S.’s intentions.

“Unrealistic demands will only reduce the chances of reaching an agreement,” Araghchi said.

However, he added that if there are no unrealistic demands, reaching an agreement is entirely possible.

Lavrov emphasized that Russia is ready to assist and mediate in these negotiations, in the interests of both parties, but strictly within the framework of the nuclear issue, without unrelated topics.

Russia considers it risky to burden the U.S.-Iran talks with issues unrelated to the nuclear program.