SAEDNEWS: Lavrov emphasized that the West’s illegal move to revive sanctions on Iran, which they are trying to present as a lawful action, is entirely unjust.
According to the Political Desk of Saed News, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that many Western countries are seeking to maintain the cautious attitude of the Gulf Arab states toward Iran. He added that the British approach in this regard has gone beyond their well-known “divide and rule” strategy.
IRNA reports that Sergei Lavrov, in an interview with RT on Thursday evening, said: “The British have always been famous for this approach. In the matter of relations between Iran and Arab countries, their actions go beyond mere 'divide'; their approach is ‘set against each other and rule.’” He expressed regret that colonial and neo-colonial tendencies continue to shape the actions of some Western countries.
Iran: A Key Country in the Gulf
The Russian Foreign Minister emphasized that in recent years, including with Moscow’s support, positive changes have occurred in relations between Iran and Arab countries. He stated, “Iran is a key country in the Gulf.”
He added: “We actively welcome positive changes in Iran-Arab relations because for years we have been pursuing the concept of collective security in the Gulf region.”
Lavrov said Russia seeks for all Gulf coastal states to establish a process of confidence-building and the development of mutually beneficial projects. He added that many in the West likely do not want this to happen and hope Iran remains burdened by imposed difficulties.
Western Attempts to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran Are Unlawful and Unjust
Lavrov further stressed that the Western action to revive sanctions against Iran—presented as legal—is entirely unjust. He noted that Iran acted flexibly and creatively in negotiations, but the West constantly postponed discussions, ultimately abandoning initial proposals in favor of coercive, dictatorial, and threatening approaches.
The ‘Snapback’ Clause in UNSC Resolution 2231
As one of the signatories of the JCPOA on behalf of Russia, Lavrov recalled that Iran had fully implemented the agreement since 2015 when UNSC Resolution 2231 endorsed the deal, only for the United States to later announce its withdrawal. He added that European countries, responsible for upholding the agreement, instead began cooperating with Washington and persuading Iran to accept new proposals.
Lavrov emphasized that Western attempts to reimpose sanctions clearly violate international law. He explained that John Kerry, then U.S. Secretary of State, suggested including a clause in the agreement that would automatically reimpose sanctions if Iran violated any provision—effectively a mechanism favoring those seeking renewed sanctions. He stressed that Iran signed the agreement in good faith, without any intent to violate it.
Western Obstruction in Negotiations
Lavrov noted that Iran remains willing to negotiate, but the West deliberately obstructs efforts to resume normal cooperation with the IAEA and pursues actions that could provoke major conflicts.
The Catastrophic Situation in Gaza
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Lavrov described it as catastrophic, noting that official statistics report 65,000 casualties in the past two years, mostly civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. An additional 170,000 people have been injured, with hundreds of thousands displaced. He stressed that the scale of civilian casualties in Gaza over two years is more than double the civilian deaths in Ukraine over 12 years.
Lavrov criticized early U.S. proposals to relocate Palestinians, noting opposition from Egypt, Jordan, and other countries, and emphasized that resettling Palestinians outside their homeland would constitute a humanitarian disaster. He also highlighted the Israeli government’s rejection of a Palestinian state and noted that, despite challenges, international decisions supporting the creation of a Palestinian state have not been rescinded.
Syria and Russian Military Presence
Lavrov explained that Russia maintains non-opportunistic relations with Syria and that the continued presence of Russian forces is supported by Damascus and some regional countries. He stated that Russia’s mission now includes humanitarian efforts, such as facilitating aid to African countries via Syrian ports and airports.
He also addressed Syria’s internal political situation, noting foreign forces’ presence, particularly in southern Syria, and the complexity of regional security concerns involving Israel, Turkey, Kurdish groups, and minorities. Lavrov stressed the need to protect Syria’s unity and prevent conflicts over Kurdish autonomy, which could destabilize the broader region.
