Kremlin Backs Iran’s Break with UN Nuclear Watchdog: ‘A Understandable Response’ to U.S. Strikes

According to Saed News, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that the Iranian parliament’s vote to suspend collaboration with the IAEA was “understandable” given the agency’s failure to respond to what Moscow described as unprovoked and illegal strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

“This is the direct result of an unprecedented attack,” Peskov stated, emphasizing that the IAEA’s credibility had been seriously undermined by its inaction. He added that while the decision is not without consequences, Russia is closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Peskov also addressed claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that American strikes had destroyed Iranian nuclear facilities. “We do not currently have verifiable data on the extent of damage,” he said. “It’s too soon to assess. We need to wait for reliable information.”

The remarks came shortly after Iran’s parliament overwhelmingly approved a bill mandating the government to halt cooperation with the IAEA—221 in favor, 1 abstention, none opposed—framing it as a national response to foreign aggression.

Lavrov further questioned the credibility of the IAEA’s director-general, Rafael Grossi, suggesting that recent demands to reaccess Iranian nuclear sites reflect a double standard and possibly a political agenda. “You attack the site, find nothing, and then accuse Iran of hiding something,” Lavrov said. “Where are the guarantees that sensitive nuclear data won’t leak again?”

Meanwhile, Kremlin officials also commented on various international topics, including:

• Russia–Ukraine talks: Peskov confirmed new negotiations will only begin after humanitarian agreements from the Istanbul round are fully implemented.

• Trump’s NATO remarks: The Kremlin declined to comment on Trump’s claim that Article 5 of NATO is “subject to interpretation.”

• South Caucasus: Russia expressed hope that tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan won’t flare up and reiterated its readiness to mediate a final peace treaty.

• Attempted coup in Armenia: Peskov called the matter an internal issue, but stressed the importance of law, order, and stability in Yerevan.

• Upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil: Russia confirmed its participation, calling BRICS one of Moscow’s strategic priorities, though the format of Putin’s involvement remains undecided.

With growing geopolitical volatility, the Kremlin’s staunch defense of Tehran signals deepening strategic ties between Moscow and Tehran—while also sharpening tensions with Washington and its allies over the global non-proliferation regime.