Russian Expert: Progress on Nuclear Issue Depends on Respecting Iran’s Interests

Lana Ravandi Fadaei, Associate Professor at the Department of Contemporary East and Africa at the Russian State University for the Humanities, told in interview in Moscow: “To reach a mutually acceptable agreement, Europe must take into account Tehran’s main demands. Compromise is possible only on secondary issues.”

She explained that Iran has drawn clear red lines on certain matters raised by Western countries. “From Iran’s perspective, negotiations on these red lines are not possible. Iranian diplomats are ready to negotiate on other issues,” she said.

Europe’s Approach Under U.S. and Israeli Influence
The senior researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences pointed out that the EU, and specifically the three European parties to the JCPOA (UK, France, and Germany), often speak in the language of ultimatums under the influence of the U.S. and Israel—a style she described as disrespectful.
Need to Consider Tehran’s Key Demands
Ravandi Fadaei emphasized that for a long-term and sustainable agreement, Iran’s minimum security-related demands must be respected.
She referred to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s reaction to the recent anti-Iran resolution adopted by the IAEA Board of Governors, noting that Araghchi declared Tehran no longer considers the Cairo Agreement on cooperation with the Agency valid.
Pressure Policy Backfires
The Russian expert stressed that the resolution, like other measures aimed at pressuring Iran, will backfire on the West. “The policy of pressure and threats has reached a dead end,” she said.
Background on the Resolution
The resolution, proposed by France, the UK, and Germany with U.S. support, was adopted Thursday at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. Only 19 of the 35 members voted in favor, while others rejected it. Russia, China, and Niger voted firmly against.
The resolution accused Iran of failing to meet safeguard commitments, despite its ongoing cooperation with the IAEA. Based on Director-General Rafael Grossi’s report, it called for immediate access to detailed information on Iran’s declared nuclear materials. It demanded Iran suspend all enrichment and reprocessing activities, including research and heavy water projects, in line with international decisions reimposed in September 2025, and comply with the Additional Protocol.
Iran’s Response
Foreign Minister Araghchi condemned the resolution as illegal and unjustified, saying it undermines the IAEA’s credibility and independence. He confirmed that Tehran has officially informed the Agency that the Cairo Agreement is no longer valid.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also said Iran considers the Cairo Agreement canceled and warned of further measures. He described the resolution as a blatant misuse of an international body to advance U.S. and European agendas, calling it irresponsible and politically motivated.
Russia’s Reaction
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared the resolution a serious blow to international confidence in IAEA safeguards and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. She noted that limited support for the resolution among IAEA members shows growing recognition that using the Agency for political agendas unrelated to non-proliferation is unacceptable.
Zakharova urged Western countries to abandon the language of sanctions, ultimatums, and destruction, and return to diplomacy. “They must negotiate based on international law and with respect for Iran’s legitimate right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes under international supervision. This is where all efforts should be focused,” she concluded.