June 26th 2025 — Moscow/Vienna
Russia has strongly advised Iran to maintain its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasizing how dialogue and transparency are key elements for regional stability and preventing nuclear proliferation.
Iran issued the statement days after its parliament approved a bill to suspend voluntary compliance with key aspects of IAEA monitoring regime, such as restrictions on inspector access and real-time surveillance at nuclear facilities. This decision followed recent military strikes by United States and Israel which Tehran considers acts of aggression.
On Wednesday in Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova cautioned reporters that while Iran may have legitimate security concerns, withdrawing from cooperation with the IAEA would be an irreparable blunder which would increase international isolation further.
Zakharova acknowledged Iran is under significant pressure, particularly following recent military provocations, but she stressed the need for continued engagement between Iran and IAEA is in the best interests of all parties involved, including Iran itself. Transparency remains key in alleviating tensions and assuring the peaceful nature of their nuclear program.
Russia was one of the signatories to the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Iran nuclear deal intended to limit Iranian activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Although the United States unilaterally withdrew from this agreement in 2018, Russia has consistently advocated for its preservation while simultaneously strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Tehran and Moscow.
Recent weeks have seen Moscow emerging as an effective mediator between Iran and Western powers, following months of increasing tensions. Officials from both Tehran and Vienna have confirmed that Russian diplomats have made contact with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to explore options for resuming full inspections and salvaging its framework for peaceful monitoring.
Zakharova reiterated, “Our position is clear: diplomacy rather than confrontation is the only viable solution to these conflicts.”
Iran’s recent legislation mandates reduced IAEA access, barring sanctions are lifted and airstrikes by Israel are condemned by the UN. Although Iranian officials insist their program remains peaceful, the absence of international inspectors has raised concern among non-proliferation experts and Western governments.
IAEA Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei issued a public plea to Tehran this week, warning of its indifference toward access and transparency issues affecting international community. Without access and transparency, he cautioned, international community is left in darkness.
European and U.S. authorities have expressed alarm at Iran’s plans, calling on it to reconsider before irreparable damage is done to trust and diplomatic progress. Russia intervened more subtly as part of an attempt to maintain open channels of communication while preventing further polarization.
Analysts view Moscow’s approach as pragmatic, seeking a balance between its relationship with Iran and preventing a nuclear crisis on its southern flank.
Russia doesn’t support Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities, yet also does not want regime collapse or full-scale war in the Middle East,” according to Andrei Baklanov, Middle East specialist with the Russian Council on International Affairs. Russia prefers a middle path solution that calms rhetoric while reinstating cooperation and keeping IAEA aware.
As the international community awaits Iran’s next move, Russia could provide an essential boost in diplomacy surrounding their nuclear issue by calling for moderation.