Putin: Iran Can Defend Its Interests, US Measures Endangering World

By Staff, IRNA

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Iranians with over thousand years of cultural history and national pride are capable of defending their own interests, and Russia supports the preservation of the JCPOA.

Putin made the remarks in response to Islamic Republic News Agency [IRNA] Managing Director Seyyed Zia Hashemi's question about the proper response of the international community to US President Donald Trump's unilateral approach and ignoring the rights of other countries.

He further pointed to the US withdrawal from international conventions as saying: "We all saw that the US quit conventions on short-range and mid-range nuclear missiles which threatens the entire world."

While terming as unproductive the use of any pressure on Iran, Putin added: "This path is ending to a stalemate, and Russia uses its capabilities to solve the existing problems through diplomatic channels and negotiations."

Stating that Iran is "our neighbor and our partner in regional and even international affairs", Putin stressed that “Despite the existing restrictions and sanctions, Russia is following all the agreements and plans in Iran and always adheres to its obligations.”

"Moscow's position towards Tehran is obvious, justified and transparent, and we are seeking to persuade [the US] that there is no need to take measures that will remove all the positive results obtained over the last few years.”

Iran today is the country where most inspections take place there, and the IAEA confirms Iran’s compliance with its commitments and the absence of any violation in this field, Putin added.

Putin said that some may criticize or say they are concerned about Iran's missile program or its actions in the region, but in Moscow's view, these are other issues and not related to a nuclear deal; it should not be forgotten that with the efforts of Iran, Turkey and Russia bloodshed in Syria was ended, and Tehran had a big share in this area.

Expressing that Iran has done a lot of positive actions, he reiterated, "Due to differences on some issues, we should not destruct the progress in other fields; therefore, we must enter negotiations with Iran and eventually return to normal talks."