Russia Dismisses Claims of Promoting Zero Enrichment Deal with Iran as Propaganda

On Sunday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry dismissed allegations that President Vladimir Putin had urged Iran to accept a “zero enrichment” deal regarding its nuclear program as “slander.”

The U.S. media outlet Axios reported on Saturday, citing three anonymous individuals with knowledge of the situation, that Putin had “urged” Iran to agree to an arrangement with the U.S. aimed at preventing the Islamic Republic from enriching uranium.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented that the report “appears to be part of a new political defamation effort designed to heighten tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.”

“We have consistently emphasized the importance of addressing the issues related to Iran’s nuclear program solely through diplomatic and political avenues, and we have expressed our readiness to assist in identifying mutually acceptable solutions,” the statement indicated.

Western nations and Israel suspect Tehran of attempting to develop nuclear weapons, a claim that Iran refutes, maintaining its “non-negotiable” right to a civilian nuclear program.

Moscow maintains a friendly rapport with Iran’s leadership and offers vital support to Tehran, although it has not strongly backed its ally even following the U.S. involvement in Israel’s bombing campaign that began in June.

Publicly, Moscow has defended Iran’s right to utilize nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, but in recent times, Putin has also moved closer to U.S. President Donald Trump.

On June 13, Israel initiated an unprecedented assault on Iran, which sparked a 12-day conflict.

This turmoil interrupted negotiations started in April between Tehran and Washington, aimed at freezing Iran’s nuclear activities in return for lifting economic sanctions.

On June 22, the United States targeted the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, located south of Tehran, along with nuclear sites in Isfahan and Natanz.

The precise extent of the damage caused is still unclear.