Russia-Iran cooperation strengthens as nuclear deal faces pressure

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 18:05
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Russia and Iran discussed Tehran’s nuclear power program ahead of Geneva talks with European states threatening snapback sanctions.

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The flags of Iran and Russia waving in an undated photo (Iranian media)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday held a phone call to discuss Iran's nuclear power program as tensions rise over the future of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

According to the Kremlin, the conversation “touched on the situation around Iran's nuclear programme,” while Tehran emphasized its “right to enrichment.” President Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran is “not seeking, and will never seek, to build nuclear weapons,” while thanking Russia for its support.

Per the Kremlin's statement, "Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed their willingness to further strengthen the cooperation between Russia and Iran in various areas and agreed to hold a bilateral meeting at the upcoming SCO summit to be held in China."

The United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) have warned they may trigger the JCPOA’s “snapback mechanism,” which would reimpose UN sanctions unless Iran limits uranium enrichment and resumes cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Talks between Iran and the European trio are scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva. Meanwhile, Moscow firmly opposes the snapback threat, calling it “a serious destabilizing factor.”

JCPOA and IAEA tensions

Tehran has disputed the legality of invoking the snapback clause, accusing European states of failing to uphold their own obligations under the JCPOA.

Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA earlier this year following a 12-day war with "Israel," arguing that the UN nuclear watchdog did not condemn Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities.

Russia's Foreign Affairs Ministry published on its official Telegram channel on Monday a brief on the phone call between Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

Per the statement, Araghchi briefed Lavrov on the outcomes of his recent discussion with the E3 nations concerning the issues around Iran's nuclear program.

"The Russian Side reaffirmed its commitment to continued significant diplomatic efforts aimed at normalising the situation around the JCPOA and de-escalating tensions in the Middle East," the foreign ministry's post read. "The discussion also covered priority items on the bilateral agenda. These included the implementation of the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Russia and Iran, signed by the presidents on January 17, 2025, and the agreements reached on expanding cooperation in the transport and energy sectors."

Russia-Iran coordination amid the Ukraine war

Russia and Iran have deepened political, economic, and military ties since the start of the Ukraine war. Tehran often coordinates its positions with both Russia and China before entering negotiations with Western states.

With European threats looming and Geneva talks approaching, the Russia-Iran nuclear power deal and broader cooperation remain central to shaping the future of the JCPOA.