Lead

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov has dismissed allegations that Iran is considering withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as "inappropriate and unfounded," reiterating Tehran's commitment to its obligations under the accord. In an interview with TASS, the senior Russian diplomat said no signals of such a move have come from the Iranian leadership.

Coverage Comparison

The report, carried by TASS, draws on two separate interviews with Ryabkov. In one, he emphasized that Iran remains committed to the NPT despite what he described as "US-Israeli aggression and strikes on Iran's nuclear energy facilities," which are under safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He noted that Tehran regularly reaffirms its intention to maintain constructive cooperation with the agency based on existing Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements.

In another part of the interview, Ryabkov accused the United States and Israel of trying to provoke Tehran into a drastic response, including a possible withdrawal from the NPT. He claimed that Washington, Israel, and their allies would "breathe a sigh of relief" if Iran left the treaty, as it would obscure their "misdeeds" related to obstructing Iran-IAEA cooperation.

Key Claims

  • Ryabkov's statements on Iran's NPT commitment: The deputy foreign minister said allegations of Iran's withdrawal are "inappropriate and unfounded," emphasizing that Tehran remains committed to its treaty obligations.
  • Provocation allegations: Ryabkov asserted that those trying to exploit the nuclear issue are "in fact doing everything to provoke" Iran into taking drastic measures, including withdrawal from the NPT.
  • US and Israeli accountability: He stated that the US and Israel have no intention of being held accountable for their actions against Iran.
  • Impact of strikes on IAEA verification: Ryabkov claimed that targeted bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities made it impossible for the IAEA to carry out verification activities.
  • Refusal to guarantee non-resumption of attacks: He said Washington and West Jerusalem refused to guarantee that attacks would not resume, indicating they would continue "arbitrary actions" undermining the IAEA's functioning.
  • NPT Review Conference: Ryabkov expressed hope that the ongoing 11th NPT Review Conference, which ends May 22, would deliver "decisive international condemnation" of what he called the "illegal and malicious course" of the United States, supported by Israel, which is not a party to the treaty.

Perspectives

Russian official view

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov presents Iran as a committed NPT member unjustly accused, while characterizing US and Israeli actions as provocative and undermining the global non-proliferation regime.

(No other distinct perspective in material)