Lavrov: Russia hopes US withdrawal from JCPOA not linked to plans to attack Iran

Moscow hopes that US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran is not connected with US plans to attack Tehran or change the regime there, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, Sputnik reported.

"It is difficult to judge how the events will develop. I would like to hope that the US withdrawal from the agreement is not connected with plans to attack Tehran or change the regime there," Lavrov told the Argentine newspaper Clarin.

Russia is open for cooperation on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and seeks the development of mutually beneficial relations with Iran, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"We are open for cooperation in the interests of the JCPOA and aim for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with Tehran," Lavrov said.

The minister expressed hope that the JCPOA will be retained despite the US withdrawal from the deal.

"We believe that it is crucial that Iran has not chosen escalation and continues to fully meet its obligations to the international community. That was once again confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. Other parties, including Russia, also remain committed to the agreement," Lavrov said.