Khatibzadeh: NATO expansion is basis of Russia, Ukraine crisis

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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh pointed out that the basis of the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine is the NATO efforts to expand.

Commenting on Sweden and Finland's plans to join NATO, Khatibzadeh told Sputnik that the basis of the current crisis between Russia and Ukraine is NATO's expansion and ignoring the security and political considerations of other countries, especially Russia, and the agreements reached decades ago.

Khatibzadeh stressed that the alliance should know that the road to confrontation has an unhappy ending.

The Iranian spokesperson described the relations between Tehran and Moscow as "strategic", stressing that the Islamic Republic will not allow any issue to disrupt it.

The Iranian diplomat told Sputnik that the Iranian authorities intend to resume their efforts to act as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev and resolve the ongoing conflict.

"We will be able to contribute [to the resolution of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia] as much as we are able and as far as both sides are ready," he said.

"Iran ... will launch a new round of its efforts [to resolve the conflict]," Khatibzadeh confirmed, adding that both sides take Iran's mediation seriously.

Tehran ready to receive Putin

It is noteworthy that on Monday, the Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali said in an interview for Sputnik that Tehran expects the Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a return visit to Iran.

"We are ready to receive ... Putin in Tehran at an appropriate time. We are also interested in holding a summit of the Astana format countries' leaders in Tehran," Jalali said.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Moscow for a two-day visit on January 19, which marked a turning point in relations between the two countries, the Iranian Ambassador added.