MOSCOW, May 21 — The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated today that Iran possesses an inherent right to the peaceful development of nuclear energy under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The manner in which Iran exercises this right regarding uranium enrichment and the management of existing nuclear materials is a decision solely for the Iranian people.
According to a release on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, Zakharova, speaking at a regular press briefing, expressed Russia's willingness to provide necessary support to both Iran and the United States to facilitate the implementation of any potential solutions reached through negotiations. Russia believes that the Iranian nuclear issue can only be resolved through political and diplomatic means, in accordance with international law and with due consideration for Iran's legitimate rights and interests.
Zakharova emphasized that military strikes against Iran would violate international law and fundamental norms of international relations, severely undermine stability in the Middle East, and have extremely negative repercussions across numerous international domains. She urged all parties involved in the conflict to swiftly resume dialogue and negotiations to prevent the escalation and expansion of the conflict zone. The international community, she added, should maintain an objective and impartial stance, work to de-escalate tensions, and jointly uphold the fundamental norms governing international relations.
In related developments, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on the 21st that Iran must surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which the U.S. would likely destroy upon receipt. Meanwhile, international media cited Iranian sources reporting on the 21st that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, has issued instructions prohibiting the export of the country's enriched uranium stockpiles abroad.
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