Russia Urges Iran to Remain in Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Darwin, September 30: Russia has urged Iran not to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), calling on Tehran to remain a responsible party to the international agreement.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday that Moscow wanted Iran to continue playing a responsible role as a member of the treaty.

According to Anadolu Agency, Peskov told reporters during a briefing that Moscow had taken note of remarks by Iranian Parliament Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad regarding the country’s possible withdrawal from the NPT. He said the matter required further clarification.

“We do not want Iran to withdraw from the NPT. We consider this treaty to be the foundation of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. We hope that Iran will remain an important and responsible party to this treaty,” Peskov said.

On Monday, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB and several other Iranian media outlets reported that parliament could discuss an emergency proposal involving a “three-stage” plan for withdrawing from the NPT. The reports cited Deputy Speaker Ali Nikzad as the source of the initiative.

According to the reports, Iran, which joined the NPT in March 1970, has lost confidence in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Director General, Rafael Grossi.

Nikzad accused Grossi of conducting only “superficial inspections” and issuing negative reports about Iran. He said the proposal to withdraw from the treaty was currently under review and could be discussed on the day it is formally submitted to parliament.

The Iranian parliament is also expected to examine the potential international consequences of such a decision.

Meanwhile, Peskov also commented on the war in Ukraine, saying Moscow had not heard any “reasonable voices” in Western countries calling for dialogue with Russia or a reassessment of the situation.

Under the circumstances, he said, Russia would have to continue its military operation to protect its national interests “100 percent.”

Source: Anadolu Agency