Putin to Macron: Iran has ‘right’ to develop ‘peaceful’ nuclear programme

MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a phone call Tuesday that Moscow’s ally Iran has a “right” to develop a peaceful nuclear programme, the Kremlin said.

Putin emphasised “the lawful right of Tehran in developing a peaceful nuclear (programme)”, according to the Kremlin transcript of the call, AFP reported.

It said both presidents agreed that the conflict over Iranian nuclear programme and other Middle Eastern conflicts should be solved “exclusively” by diplomatic means and that the two leaders would “continue contacts” on this.

Similarly, Reuters reported that Putin said it was necessary to respect Iran’s right to the peaceful development of nuclear energy as well as its continued compliance with its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Iran’s parliament approved a bill last month to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, the UN nuclear watchdog, after Israel and the United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites, aiming to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran has denied seeking one.

Macron “expressed his determination to seek a diplomatic solution that would lead to a lasting and rigorous resolution of the nuclear issue, the question of Iran’s missiles, and its role in the region”, his office said, adding that the two leaders had decided to coordinate their efforts.

The French president’s office said Macron had also stressed the need for Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA.

‘NEW TERRITORIAL REALITIES’

On Ukraine, Putin reiterated his position to Macron that the war was “a direct consequence of the West’s policy”, which he said had “ignored Russia’s security interests” over the past few years.

Any possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine should have a “comprehensive and long-term character” and be based on “new territorial realities,” the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.

Putin has previously said Ukraine must accept Russia’s annexation of swathes of its territory as part of any peace deal.

Macron has said Ukraine alone should decide on whether or not to accept territorial concessions.

During Tuesday’s call, Macron’s office said, “The president emphasised France’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Macron and Putin aim to continue their discussions on Ukraine and Iran, the French president’s office said.

Macron and Putin held regular discussions around the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Macron visiting Putin in Russia in February 2022, but the dialogue eventually stalled.