Russia calls for JCPOA talks, slams Europe’s stance on Iran
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Russia calls for renewed JCPOA talks, denounces Europe’s stance, and confirms work on a Putin-Trump summit aimed at advancing peace in Ukraine.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, left, talk as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stands nearby, in Tianjin, China, Monday, September 1, 2025 (AP)
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that Russia supports negotiations on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and criticized Europe’s “unconstructive position,” which he said is complicating efforts to revive the Iran nuclear deal.
“The unconstructive position of the Europeans, of course, leads to the fact that it is becoming even more difficult day by day. We believe that it is necessary to negotiate. Of course, there are no grounds for exerting excessive pressure on Iran, a sovereign country, in this way,” Peskov said when asked whether Western pressure on Tehran could provoke new escalation.
He added that Moscow remains ready to expand cooperation with Iran “in all areas,” emphasizing that relations between the two countries are “developing dynamically.”
Russia-US summit preparations underway
Peskov also confirmed that full-scale preparations for a new Russia-US summit will begin “only now,” noting that officials from both sides still have “a lot of homework” to complete before the meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The two leaders agreed last week to hold the summit in Hungary.
“Of course, everyone is fulfilling the instructions given by the presidents, but such full-scale negotiations, the teamwork to prepare the appropriate conditions for the summit, have not yet begun,” he told reporters.
According to the Kremlin, the summit is expected to focus on advancing a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington.
Moscow’s position on Ukraine 'consistent, well known'
Addressing the issue of Ukraine, Peskov stressed that Russia’s position remains “consistent and well known,” while describing Kiev’s stance as “full of contradictions,” which he said undermines the possibility of peace.
He confirmed that Moscow continues “serious work” with Washington on the Ukrainian settlement and reiterated that Russia’s position on proposals to freeze the conflict “has not changed.” This came after reports that President Trump suggested halting hostilities along current frontlines before negotiating future terms.
“The Russian side has given a response each time on the topic of the possibility of freezing the conflict with Ukraine. This response is well known, and Russia's consistent position remains unchanged,” Peskov said.
Kremlin responds to US Tomahawk supply plans
Commenting on reports that the United States may supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Peskov said Russia is closely monitoring Washington’s statements and considers them a guiding principle.
“There can be no official notifications on this matter. We are hearing and listening to statements on this matter, and that is our guiding principle,” he stated, adding that Moscow and Washington maintain communication at working and expert levels.
Kremlin: The call was initiated by Russia
Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said the conversation took place “on our initiative” and that both sides highlighted the “deep mutual sympathies of the peoples of both countries,” referencing cooperation during World War II.
“It was highlighted that the current state of affairs in bilateral relations looks paradoxical amid this,” Ushakov told reporters in Moscow.
He confirmed that representatives from both countries would “immediately begin preparations for the summit,” which could take place in Budapest, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to hold a phone conversation “in the coming days” as part of the preparatory work.
US pushes economic pressure on Russia
Ahead of Thursday’s call, Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian oil and that his administration would urge China to take similar steps.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Washington’s stance on Wednesday, saying the United States would “impose costs on Russia for its continued aggression” unless the conflict comes to an end.
Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation in next week’s talks with Russian officials to lay the groundwork for the Budapest summit.
As both sides prepare for the high-stakes meeting, analysts say the initiative marks one of the most direct diplomatic engagements between Washington and Moscow since the war began, though it remains unclear whether it will bring an immediate change to the situation on the ground in Ukraine.
