Lavrov: No JCPOA substitute, Zelensky peace formula invalid for talks
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Lavrov asserts that speculations regarding a "plan B" rather than restoring the deal is a ticking time bomb of possible escalation.
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Reuters)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Sputnik during an interview on Thursday that no alternative exists for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear program, adding that speculations regarding a "plan B" rather than restoring the deal is a ticking time bomb of possible escalation.
"Life has proved that the JCPOA has no reasonable alternative. We consider it irresponsible to speculate about the notorious 'plan B' and other unacceptable options. The transition to them leads to escalation, an arms race, an open conflict with irreversible consequences," Lavrov said, as he continued that in light of the current situation in Iran, Russia previously proposed a suggestion for collective security in the Gulf region, now being considered by the Gulf states.
Read next: Lavrov: Anonymous US officials threatened Putin with assassination
Zelensky's 'peace formula' not valid for talks
Lavrov dismissed the "peace formula" proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating, “It is obvious that Kiev is not ready for dialogue. Putting forward all sorts of ideas and 'formulas of peace', Zelensky cherishes the illusion of achieving, with the help of the West, the withdrawal of our troops from the Russian territory of Donbas, Crimea, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the payment of reparations by Russia, admission of guilt in international tribunals, etc. We will certainly not talk to anyone on such terms."
Just last week, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed that he is not optimistic about the possibility of "effective" peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in the near future.
This comes after Lavrov stated that Ukraine is fully aware of Russia's demands and could simply meet them to end the war.
"Our proposals for the demilitarization and denazification of the territories controlled by the [Kiev] regime, [and] the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well-known to the enemy," Lavrov said, adding, "The point is simple: Fulfill them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army."
'Old approaches don't work'
On the topic of possible future work between Russia and the West, Lavrov said loud and clear, "One of the lessons is that if and when we return to joint work, then it will have to be conducted on a new basis, as the old approaches no longer work."
On Monday, Lavrov predicted that the West will lose its dominant position in the global economic hierarchy.
"We will not be running after the West after it severed almost all ties… We will seek out those who have never let us down and with whom we had to make difficult compromises in the past — but once we agreed on something they never failed us," he said.
No evidence by West that Iran supplied drones to Russia
Lavrov commented on the drone speculations that the West stirred up noise at the UN Security Council regarding allegations that Iran supplied unmanned drones to Russia, adding that its rhetoric always comes with a tone of "possibly" as they don't give facts and don't try to.
This comes after Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said that Iran plans to boost its missile and drone supplies for Russia.
Iran, planning to boost missile, drone supplies for Russia, blatantly humiliates the institution of international sanctions…
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) December 24, 2022
Important to abandon nonworking sanctions, invalid UN resolutions concept, & move to more destructive tools – liquidation of plants, arrest of suppliers…
Referring to the UN, the Ukrainian official further said that Iran "humiliates the institution of international sanctions" and that it is important to abandon "nonworking sanctions, invalid UN resolutions concepts," and move to more destructive tools, such as the liquidation of nuclear plants and the arrest of suppliers.
The tweet is mainly aimed at demonizing Iran with the alleged intent of supporting Russia in its combat efforts in Ukraine despite Iran announcing that Kiev failed to provide concrete evidence to support such claims.
