Russia Expects Intensification of Work on Nuclear Deal with Iran

If the US and Iran are engaged in discussions regarding the nuclear deal, it is a positive sign, and Russia is looking forward to the revitalization of efforts towards a comprehensive joint action plan. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“Regarding communications between Washington and Tehran, we are aware that they have taken place and continue, including with the mediation of certain Gulf states. We believe that if this involves some form of understanding related to the Iranian nuclear program, it is a positive development,” Ryabkov said.

As the Russian diplomat pointed out, if this is indeed the case, it should be followed by an active resumption of work aimed at restoring the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), to which Moscow is ready and has informed all parties involved, including Tehran.

Commenting on the possible resumption of negotiations regarding the nuclear deal in Vienna, the diplomat noted that Tehran is prepared for this, and Moscow and Beijing also support such a decision. However, the West is keeping its distance, considering extraneous factors unrelated to the program, which can generally be described as attempts to exert pressure on unnecessary countries.

At the same time, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister indicated that some minor “technical adjustments” to the nuclear deal are possible.

It was previously reported that Iran and the US have communicated regarding the issue of prisoners and have entered a deal for their exchange. Tehran is expected to gain access to $6 billion of frozen assets for humanitarian purposes.

Qatar, which has been involved in facilitating US-Iran communications, expressed hope that an agreement on the release of prisoners between Washington and Tehran will help them come to terms on a new nuclear deal. Doha is making efforts to facilitate these communications.