Russia affirms unbreakable ties with Iran, supports self-defense
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Russian Deputy FM Sergey Ryabkov reaffirms the unbreakable Russia-Iran partnership, supporting Tehran’s right to self-defense amid a joint US-Israeli aggression.
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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and head of delegation Sergey Ryabkov attends a Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) conference in Beijing of the UN Security Council's five permanent members (P5) China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, China, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 (Thomas Peter/Pool Photo via AP, File)
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov reiterated Moscow's unwavering commitment to its alliance with Tehran, affirming that Iran is acting within its legitimate right to self-defense amid escalating tensions with the US and confrontations with "Israel".
"I want to emphasize that our strategic partnership with Iran is unbreakable," Ryabkov told reporters.
He emphasized that "Iran is acting within the framework of its right to self-defense in the current situation."
"This is an absolutely legitimate and correct submission."
The US carried out overnight airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The aggression, ordered by President Donald Trump, was framed by Washington as a move to cripple Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump warned that Tehran must agree to “end this war” or face more severe consequences.
Confidentiality about Iran-Russia coordination
When questioned about the possibility of Iran seeking military assistance from Russia, Ryabkov declined to provide specifics, citing the sensitivity of ongoing diplomatic and defense communications.
"It would be irresponsible to disclose all details of contacts between Russia and Iran," the Russian diplomat pointed out.
Russia urges US to tone down confrontational rhetoric
Ryabkov criticized the US for its confrontational approach toward Iran, urging Washington to tone down its rhetoric. He suggested that reducing hostilities would enhance the prospects for a political resolution.
Damage to Iranian nuclear facilities
Commenting on recent US attacks on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Ryabkov maintained that Iran possesses the capacity to restore its nuclear potential, provided there is sufficient political will to do so.
Path to dialogue largely depends on US
Ryabkov stated that the path to dialogue largely depends on US policy, implying that Washington bears responsibility for re-establishing diplomatic channels with Tehran.
"The question about the opportunity for dialogue between the US and Iran should be addressed to the US and its policy," he concluded.
US 'opened a Pandora's Box': Russia's UN envoy on aggression on Iran
On Sunday, Russia issued a strong condemnation of the United States' aggression against Iranian nuclear facilities, warning that the attack could unleash uncontrollable consequences for the region and beyond.
Speaking at the UN Security Council on Sunday, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia declared that Washington has “opened Pandora’s Box,” setting the stage for future crises.
Nebenzia condemned the US strike as a dangerous and provocative action against the Islamic Republic of Iran, a sovereign member state of the United Nations.
Read more: Wave of regional, int'l condemnations follows US airstrikes on Iran
Moscow denounces attack on sovereign UN member state
“Russia condemns in the most decisive terms the irresponsible, dangerous, and provocative actions committed by the USA against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he stated.
He added that such actions are likely to exacerbate the situation and pose a serious threat to regional and international security.
US 'clearly not interested in diplomacy', Russia says
According to the Russian envoy, Washington has shown no genuine interest in pursuing diplomacy with Tehran.
“Our [US] colleagues are clearly not interested in diplomacy today, and responsibility for this falls squarely on the shoulders of US leadership,” Nebenzia declared.
He further criticized Washington for publicly flaunting its role in the strikes, calling it a reckless move that discredits any claim to a peaceful resolution.
Read more: Trump used nuclear talks as cover to launch war on Iran: The Atlantic
