Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Western nations on October 8 of actively obstructing negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as preventing Tehran from resuming normal cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement was made during an interview for the Bridges to the East project.
Lavrov emphasized that the West has “specifically done everything to ensure these negotiations with the United States do not take place” despite Iran’s consistent willingness to engage. He highlighted the IAEA’s role, noting that Western efforts aim to block Iran’s return to nuclear inspections. The minister criticized the resumption of sanctions against Iran as a “gross abuse,” stating that the country had adhered to its obligations until Western nations withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal.
The U.S. has intensified pressure on Iran, with the Department of Energy demanding the shutdown of all Iranian nuclear facilities and urging compliance with IAEA safety guarantees. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on September 23, asserting that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and vowing to suspend its nuclear program since his presidency began. In response, Iran denied plans to develop nuclear arms, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected negotiations with the U.S., citing external pressure over uranium enrichment rights.
Earlier in September, the UN Security Council rejected a resolution to maintain sanctions relief for Iran, further escalating tensions.
