Russia says Iran attack disastrous

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has highlighted the “necessity” of political discourse with Iran in ending an impasse over its civilian nuclear program.

In a meeting with ambassadors from Arab states on Wednesday, Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s support for diplomatically engaging Tehran and warned against the “disastrous” consequences of taking military action.

“It was generally felt that there is no alternative but to solve the Iran’s nuclear program problem by politico-diplomatic methods and avoid regionally disastrous military options,” said a foreign ministry statement.

Lavrov also called on the international community to “proceed from the imperative of maintaining and expanding cooperation by Iran with the IAEA, as well as from the necessity to continue political dialogue with Tehran.”

The statement further highlighted Moscow’s commitment to “dialogue on the implementation of the resolution…on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.”

The nuclear deadlock revolves around allegations by Washington and its allies that Iran is secretly pursuing a military nuclear program.

Powerful UN Security Council member states Britain and France have joined forces with the US to impose a fourth round of tough sanctions against Iran.

Iran rejects the accusation and insists that its nuclear program is peaceful.
Tehran argues that as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) it has the right to a civilian nuclear program.