Russia-Iran military cooperation observing international law: Diplomat

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said, on Thursday, that Russia and Iran are developing their military cooperation in strict conformity with international law.

Iran is seeking to purchase Russia's S-400 air defense missile system, which raised concerns in "Israel", with officials feeling that it would limit the window for a potential strike on Iranian nuclear-related facilities, Bloomberg reported citing sources.

Addressing a briefing in Geneva, the senior diplomat said, "Our military and technical cooperation with Iran develops by international obligations and the national legislation." 

Ryabkov went on to say that Moscow considered the security concerns of other Gulf states and countries in other regions while expanding ties with Tehran.

Another source of concern stemming from the two nations' military collaboration is Iran's alleged drone exports to Russia. Western countries have regularly accused Tehran of sending combat drones to Moscow for use in Russia's special operations in Ukraine in recent months.

Moscow and Tehran have both denied that Russia has purchased attack drones from Iran. Last year, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that the country ceased delivering drones to Russia months before the special military operation began on February 24, 2022.

Read more: Russia-Iran trade hits record high: Russian envoy to Iran

Ryabkov to Al Mayadeen: Direct clash between Russia, NATO possible

Earlier, Ryabkov told Al Mayadeen that the situation related to the START Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty is concerning.

Ryabkov confirmed that at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, he held talks with the US on the START Strategic Offensive Arms Reduction Treaty.

He added that both Britain and France could join the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty if there is political will, noting that the meetings with representatives of Britain and France have not been scheduled.

In response to a question by Al Mayadeen, Ryabkov explained that there is a threat of confrontation between Russia and NATO because the current direction is very dangerous.

He added that NATO members are obsessed with the idea that any expansion of the alliance will be a strategic loss for Russia because they have lost the sense of danger resulting from such policies.

Ryabkov considered that the blame for START not being implemented for so many years lies on the United States.

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister pointed out that if the United States decided to be the first to conduct nuclear tests, Russia will have to respond appropriately, declaring that the "US used information obtained under the START treaty to help Kiev attack our strategic sites." 

He stressed that the Western delegations are doing everything in their power to prevent the adoption of a comprehensive and balanced work program for the Conference on Disarmament, noting that NATO wants to tip the balance of power in its favor and at the expense of the security of others.

Earlier last month, Russia's legal information portal published a copy of the Presidential bill calling for the suspension of Russia's engagement in the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin said on February 21 before the Federal Assembly that Russia was suspending participation in the New START, stressing that this did not imply a withdrawal on Russia's part from the treaty.