Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Iran wants to reengage in nuclear talks with the US and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Russian Foreign Minister told Iranian state media, “The decision on whether to restart talks with the United States – about which we understand Iran is interested – or with the IAEA – whose engagement Iran also wishes to renew – rests with the authorities in Tehran.” He continued, “We stand ready to provide all necessary support for any actions the Iranian leadership considers in the best interest of its people.”

Lavrov said he has already spoken with his Iranian counterpart about the issue and that the diplomats will meet on Tuesday. 

After President Donald Trump returned to the White House, US and Iranian diplomats engaged in five rounds of negotiations, and Israel launched an unprovoked war against the Islamic Republic. The US joined Israel in attacking Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran responded by breaking off talks with Washington and expelling IAEA inspectors.

Tehran has said that it will rebuild its nuclear program. At the same time, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have threatened to restart the bombing if the Islamic Republic resumes its nuclear enrichment program.

Tehran reengaged with the IAEA in August and agreed to allow inspectors to 

In his interview, Lavrov recommended that Tehran strengthen its ties with other Arab countries to deter “aggressors.” “Of course, any cooperation that strengthens the defense capabilities of the participants in the relevant processes and their combat readiness, I believe, is a significant, important contribution to strengthening peace and creating a situation where any aggressor will be reluctant to try to implement their aggressive plans,” Lavrov said.

“I am referring to the relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Arab Cooperation Council (GCC), your six neighbors in the Persian Gulf.” He added, “We also hope in every possible way that the normalization of relations between you and these Arab monarchies, especially with Saudi Arabia, will allow us to promote various formats for strengthening security.”

Russia was a signatory to the Iran Nuclear Deal that was signed in 2015. That agreement put strict limitations and inspections on Iran’s nuclear program. While Tehran was in full compliance with the agreement, Trump withdrew from the pact in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran. 

In response, Tehran increased the capabilities of its civilian nuclear program, but the IAEA has continued to certify that Tehran is not building a nuclear weapon.