Russia’s top diplomat, Sergei Lavrov, reaffirmed in a recent interview with DEA News that there is no credible substitute for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action concerning Iran’s nuclear program. He emphasized that any talk of a substitute or a separate strategy would be not just irrational but equally dangerous, elevating tensions and inviting miscalculation on a global scale. Lavrov’s stance was clear and direct: restoring the JCPOA remains the singular feasible path to containing Iran’s nuclear ambitions while avoiding a cascade of competing proxies and security dilemmas that would ripple across the region and beyond. In this view, the international community would be wise to stay focused on restoring the existing framework rather than entertaining speculative alternatives that could derail diplomatic progress and increase the likelihood of a broader confrontation in the Middle East. (Source: DEA News)
Lavrov warned that pursuing a Plan B would likely trigger a fresh arms race, widen rivalries, and push regional actors toward irreversible choices that could culminate in a destabilizing open conflict. He framed the issue as a matter of strategic restraint and long-term stability, arguing that any disruption of the JCPOA would undermine decades of diplomacy designed to curb nuclear threats while preserving regional balance. The Russian minister underscored the danger of letting short-term calculations override a carefully negotiated agreement that currently serves as a cornerstone for international nonproliferation efforts. (Source: Kremlin press services)
In parallel, Lavrov highlighted Russia’s proposal for a broader, collective security framework in the Persian Gulf region. He described a concept aimed at long-term normalization and security guarantees, noting that it is being carefully considered by Gulf states in their capitals. The approach seeks to address underlying tensions through dialogue, confidence-building measures, and shared security interests that can reduce the incentives for provocative actions. Lavrov’s remarks position Moscow as a proponent of structured regional architecture that complements the JCPOA by addressing the surrounding security environment. (Source: Foreign Ministry briefings)
The Russian side has previously signaled that it did not regard the latest rounds of negotiations on restoring the JCPOA as reaching a point of no return. Lavrov’s comments reflect a belief that diplomacy remains the best option for containing risks associated with Iran’s nuclear program, especially in a landscape shaped by competing powers and shifting alliances. He urged negotiators in Washington, European capitals, and regional capitals to maintain constructive engagement, resist pressure for abrupt changes, and prioritize a path that maintains transparency, verification, and long-term stabilization. The message from Moscow is that continued good-faith talks are essential to prevent escalation and to preserve a framework that can adapt to evolving regional dynamics. (Source: Ministry communications)