The Russian permanent representative named a starting point for negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) remains the starting point for new negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna, said this in an interview with Izvestia.

Atomic rupture: Iran has ruled out dialogue with the United States on the nuclear deal

The unwillingness to make contact under the current pressure became known after Lavrov's meeting with the Iranian leadership, which was also discussed during the minister's visit to Tehran.

"The [JCPOA] expires on October 18 this year. There is nothing to replace it at the moment. Therefore, it is likely that we will now talk about some kind of modified agreement, if the parties concerned agree on the need to develop it," the diplomat said.

At the same time, Iran continues to faithfully comply with the Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and remains the most audited country, Mikhail Ulyanov noted.

"Both Tehran and the agency's secretariat confirm their willingness to engage in dialogue and improve the quality of interaction. However, something prevents this from happening all the time. As a rule, this is the position of the Western parties to the JCPOA. So, in November 2024, they pushed an anti—Iranian resolution through the Board of Governors by a majority vote," the permanent representative said.

According to Russian President Vladimir Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov, the Iranian dossier was discussed at the Russian-American talks in Riyadh on February 18. According to him, it was decided at the meeting to hold separate negotiations on this topic.

Bloomberg previously reported that Russia, in response to a request from the United States, agreed to mediate in negotiations on the nuclear deal. In addition, during his visit to Tehran, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that Moscow is determined to continue searching for acceptable solutions to the current situation.

Read more in Mikhail Ulyanov's exclusive interview with Izvestia:

"The uncertain situation with the JCPOA is fraught with the risk of uncontrolled escalation"