Europe’s ‘hostile’ actions against Iran a ‘stain’ on diplomacy: Russian foreign minis
Europe’s ‘hostile’ actions against Iran a ‘stain’ on diplomacy: Russian foreign minister
M.U.H
16/12/202518
Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized Europe’s conduct on Iran’s nuclear issue, describing its actions as deceptive and a stain on European diplomacy.
Lavrov made the comment in an exclusive interview with Iran’s national television channel, IRIB, published on Monday night.
He said the United States had thrown the 2015 Iran nuclear deal — officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — “into the dustbin” by withdrawing from it in 2018.
The European parties to the deal then followed in the footsteps of the United States and began leveling accusations that Iran was not complying with the JCPOA, he said. Lavrov added that through “hostile and unlawful actions” over the past year, Europe tried to portray Iran as responsible for the collapse of the agreement.
All this happened despite Iran never violating the deal, Lavrov said, emphasizing that the matter was so clear that the West resorted to deceptive tactics.
“I think it was a stain on European diplomacy that they decided to restore sanctions on Iran through deception,” the top Russian diplomat said, referring to a move in August by Britain, France, and Germany — collectively known as the E3 and all parties to the JCPOA — to trigger the snapback mechanism to reinstate UN sanctions lifted under the accord.
“Honest and upright diplomats do not behave this way. This is how fraudsters and thieves behave,” Lavrov said, according to the Persian translation of his interview.
Russia continues to back Iran
Responding to a question about whether Russia would stand by Iran if a conflict larger than the 12-day war with Israel in June were to occur, Lavrov said his country has a strategic partnership agreement with Iran and will continue to support Tehran and its legal rights.
He also announced Russia’s readiness to assist Iran in resolving its issues with the West and with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that Russia will adopt a position chosen by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and in line with the interests of the Iranian people, Lavrov said.
