Russia Supports Iran's Right to Uranium Enrichment

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has defended Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes. He stated that Russia will accept any decision that aligns with the Iranian side.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, China’s capital, on Wednesday (15/4) following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lavrov affirmed that Moscow is ready to help resolve issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

He reiterated the stance that “every country has the right to enrich uranium exclusively for peaceful purposes,” a right he emphasised also applies to Iran.

“Russia will accept any decision that aligns with the Iranian side within the framework of these legitimate rights,” Lavrov stressed, as reported by Iranian media outlet Press TV on Wednesday (15/4/2026). He emphasised Moscow’s readiness to play a role in any potential resolution related to enriched uranium.

He outlined possible contributions, including reprocessing highly enriched uranium into fuel for nuclear power plants or sending part of it to Russia for storage, while still respecting Iran’s rights to civil nuclear energy.

Lavrov said Russia will accept any decision from Iran regarding enriched uranium. The Russian Foreign Minister added that he had discussed this issue with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as representatives from the US, Israel, and Iran. He stated that the topic has also been repeatedly discussed in contacts involving Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The senior Russian diplomat emphasised that Iran has never sought to militarise its nuclear programme. He said that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also found no evidence of diversion for military purposes.

He also recalled Moscow’s active role in the 2015 nuclear deal, particularly in managing Iran’s enriched uranium.