Russia says some Western countries are still considering military action against Iran in response to its nuclear disputes.
Speaking to reporters on his return from the G8 summit at Camp David, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said G8 leaders have signalled that they are ready to tap into emergency oil stockpiles this summer in order to increase pressure on Iran, which he says reveals that some states are considering a military option against Iran.
Ryabkov said: “It is one of many various signals coming from various sources that the military option is considered as realistic and possible. We are receiving signals, both through public and intelligence channels, that this option is now being reviewed in some capitals as more applicable in this situation".
He added: "We are very worried about this. We do not want the region and the world to fall into… new divisions and bitter political arguments."
The West is concerned that Iran is using its nuclear energy program as a front to produce nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charges and says its nuclear program is peaceful.
Russia has supported UN resolutions against Iran but has slammed unilateral sanctions by the United States and European countries. Russia has also steadily maintained that any military intervention in Iran would be disastrous, and the nuclear disputes must be settled through diplomatic means.
Ryabkov also indicated that Russia has prepared a set of proposals to be presented at the meeting between the G5+1 and the Iranian delegation on May 23 in Baghdad. He said the proposals include steps for Iran to gain international trust as well as incentives to secure its cooperation.
He added that any follow-up talks should be scheduled quickly to maintain the momentum of the negotiations.
