Published: 05.03.2022 – 20:45
Russia demanded on Saturday, March 5, from Washington a guarantee that sanctions against it over Ukraine would not affect its cooperation with Tehran before restarting the Iranian nuclear agreement. Iran has not yet officially responded to this request from Moscow, which could complicate or even drag out the negotiations in Vienna.
With our correspondent in Tehran, Siavos Ghazi
“We have requested written assurances from our American colleagues that the sanctions will not affect our right to free and full trade, economic and military cooperation with Iran,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
According to various delegations, in particular the Iranian delegation, the negotiations have moved forward and the vast majority of issues have been resolved. Russia, as well as China, which has supported Iran in recent years, of course want to take advantage of the lifting of US sanctions.
Iran in talks with Russia over 20-year deal
Iran has signed a 25-year cooperation agreement with China and is negotiating a 20-year agreement with Russia. The Iranian government, completely controlled by the conservatives, has also chosen a strategy of rapprochement with Russia and China in order to avoid pressure from the West.
On social media, proponents of rapprochement with the West denounce Moscow’s request and accuse the Russians of wanting to disrupt negotiations at the last minute. On the other hand, conservatives justify this demand.
Russian demand for guarantees is constant
Thierry Coville, Iran expert and IRIS researcher
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