Russia urges Iran to remain in Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
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Russia does not want Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is counting on Tehran remaining a party to the agreement, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to recent comments from Iranian officials about a possible exit from the treaty, which requires signatories not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.
“This statement requires further clarification. We would not want Iran to withdraw from the NPT,” Peskov said.
He added that Moscow considers the NPT “the cornerstone of the non-proliferation regime and hope[s] that Iran will remain an important and responsible party to this treaty.”
The remarks came after Iranian First Deputy Parliament Speaker Ali Nikzad indicated that lawmakers are considering a “triple-urgency” bill on withdrawal.
Nikzad said the draft is under review, including its international implications, and could be brought to a plenary session for same-day consideration once registered.
He stressed that Iranian parliamentarians no longer trust the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) or its Director-General Rafael Grossi.
Nikzad accused Grossi of acting in bad faith: “He is one of those people who comes, conducts inspections, praises us, and then leaves and prepares negative reports against us.”
He argued that Iran’s earlier suspension of cooperation with the agency had been in the country’s interest, asking whether Tehran could realistically expect help from the IAEA on nuclear energy matters.
The Iranian comments reflect growing frustration in Tehran amid prolonged disputes with the IAEA and Western pressure over the country’s nuclear program.
Reports also noted that more than 30 former Iranian officials had issued an open letter calling for withdrawal, arguing that continued membership no longer served national interests and urging relevant bodies to begin legal steps promptly.
Russia and Iran maintain close relations under a strategic cooperation treaty.
Moscow has long supported Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the NPT while opposing any military dimension to the program, and it has repeatedly described the treaty as central to global non-proliferation efforts.
