Russia expressed frustration on Wednesday over the continuous threats directed at Iran, warning that airstrikes would do little to foster stability and pointing out that Tehran was already taking precautionary steps in response to the situation.
With nuclear discussions scheduled over the weekend between Iran and the United States, Iranian sources told Reuters on Tuesday that their government is entering the negotiations with skepticism, uncertain of any positive outcome and harboring deep doubts about America’s true motives.
The announcement of the upcoming talks came from U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. Since returning to office in January, Trump has made multiple aggressive statements against Iran, reviving tensions with the long-time adversary and indicating that military action remains on the table if no deal is reached.
Responding to questions about Moscow’s stance, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the presence of “quite harsh rhetoric” and emphasized that Iran was acting to defend itself. He added that diplomacy, not conflict, should take precedence.
“Indeed, the world is growing tired of the endless threats against Iran,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said when asked by Reuters to clarify Russia’s approach. “There is a growing understanding that bombing cannot pave the way to peace.”
Iran’s nuclear ambitions date back to the 1950s, originally launched with American support during a friendlier era. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, however, the program has become a central point of contention between Iran and much of the global community. Western nations, including the U.S., Israel, and several European countries, accuse Tehran of covertly trying to build a nuclear arsenal—an allegation Iran denies. In recent years, Tehran has fostered closer ties with Moscow, the leading nuclear power in the world.
While Russia has purchased weapons from Iran for use in Ukraine and signed a long-term strategic pact with Tehran earlier this year, their historical alliance has been rocky. Relations between the two nations have fluctuated since the 16th century, when formal diplomatic engagement between Muscovy and the Persian Empire first began.
Some Iranian officials claim that Russia is often more bark than bite—issuing strong statements without intending to engage in a large-scale Middle East conflict. Notably, the 20-year agreement signed between Moscow and Tehran contains no clause mandating mutual military defense.
Still, Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained cordial ties with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The two countries, both facing sanctions and condemnation from the West, have found common ground. Yet Russia remains cautious, wary of sparking a nuclear proliferation race in the region.
Russia, Zakharova said, wants “effective negotiable solutions” that would both reduce Western suspicions about Iran’s uranium enrichment program and restore trust while ensuring a balance of interests – and avoid a crisis.
During his previous term, President Trump withdrew the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear accord that had limited Iran’s nuclear development in exchange for reduced sanctions and expanded international inspections.
That move prompted Tehran to abandon its commitments under the agreement and significantly increase its uranium enrichment, raising alarms that it could move closer to weapon-grade material.
“Tehran cannot be held responsible for the consequences of the illegal actions of those who, through their shortsightedness and erroneous forecasting, undermined agreements,” Zakharova said.
{Matzav.com}