(Moscow, 22nd) Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 21st that Iran has the inherent right to peacefully develop nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and how this right is exercised in terms of uranium enrichment and handling existing nuclear materials can only be decided by the Iranian people.
According to a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, spokesperson Zakharova said at a regular press conference that Russia is willing to provide necessary support to both Iran and the United States to help implement any solutions that may be reached through negotiations. Russia believes that the Iranian nuclear issue can only be resolved in accordance with international law, by considering Iran’s legitimate rights and interests, and through political and diplomatic means.
The positions of the United States and Iran on Iran’s uranium stockpile and control over the Strait of Hormuz remain at odds, making efforts led by Pakistan to end the conflict seem unlikely to succeed.
US President Trump stated on the 21st that the US will ultimately obtain Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
Trump told reporters at the White House: “We will get it. We don’t need it, and we don’t want it. Once we get it, we may destroy it, but we will not let them have it.”
Washington believes this uranium will be used to make nuclear weapons, while the Iranian side insists its purpose is purely peaceful.
It has been six weeks since the fragile US-Iran ceasefire agreement came into effect, but negotiations to end the war have made little progress.