Grossi stresses Russia's importance in resolving Iranian nuclear issue

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has emphasized Russia's critical importance in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.

"Russia is a depository of the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty] and for more than 50 years, together with the United States, has played a key role on these issues. And Russia has played an indispensable role in everything related to Iran. For example, in the negotiations and conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA], and later in attempts to revive it," Rafael Grossi said.

He highlighted the importance of contacts between Moscow and Tehran that took place following the 12-day war with Israel. The IAEA chief stated that Russia also remains a crucial pillar of the nuclear non-proliferation regime.

"We cannot afford to lose Russia as a pillar of non-proliferation. It would be a devastating blow to the entire non-proliferation regime. I truly believe Russia has an indispensable role, but how and when to play it is for Russia itself to decide," Rafael Grossi said.