Russia says Iran’s nuclear program has no military dimension, and the ongoing nuclear dispute should be tackled through dialogue only.
Ria Novosti reports that Sergei Riabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, appeared Friday on a Russia 24 television program, saying Moscow possesses information that shows Iran’s nuclear program has no military component.
“We have verified data showing that there is no reliable evidence for the existence of a military component. There is no proof of a military component in Iran’s nuclear program,” Riabkov said.
He added that all remaining concerns about Iran’s nuclear program can be put to rest through negotiations and dialogue.
Riabkov added that Iran’s close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency will be vital to clear all doubts.
Riabkov pointed to the inspections of Iran’s atomic facilities by IAEA representatives, saying these actions reveal that Iran is acting “in good faith and responsibly.”
The new IAEA report, released last month, claimed there was evidence that Iran’s nuclear program may have a military dimension.
The report has triggered a wave of new sanctions by the U.S., the EU and other countries.
Russia, on the other hand, insists sanctions will only intensify the situation, and negotiations and talks are the only path to resolve the dispute.
Iran has consistently insisted that its nuclear program is peaceful.
