The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution demanding that Iran should provide full information about all its past and present nuclear programs, sign the so-called Additional Protocol to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and end its uranium enrichment program. Together with other countries, Russia held talks with Iranian authorities to ensure the implementation of these provisions.

“We note with satisfaction that Iran agreed to implement these conditions. It has already provided information on its past and present nuclear programs to the IAEA. Iran has notified the IAEA in writing that it was joining the Additional Protocol. In Moscow, a top Iranian official announced that Iran was ending its uranium enrichment program. That is why we believe that all demands, which were made not by Russia, the United States or France, but by the IAEA, have been met,” Mr. Ivanov said.

In his opinion, there’s no need to fan passions. It is important that Iran fulfills its obligations. “Tough control is needed for that, which will be exercised by the IAEA,” the Foreign Minister added.

Mr. Ivanov believes that decisions made by Iranian authorities were to some extent a surprise for Washington. It is not easy for the US to change the line it has pursued in recent years. The Russian Foreign Minister said he did not see any grounds for introducing sanctions against Iran. On the contrary, if Iran implements its obligations to the IAEA, the international community, in accordance with international agreements, will be obliged to help Iran develop its nuclear program in peaceful purposes. “Russia will continue cooperating with Iran, including in the nuclear sphere,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Washington wants the IAEA to declare at its meeting on Thursday that Iran does not comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This could lead to interference by the UN Security Council and the introduction of sanctions against Iran. However, analysts say this is unlikely, as European countries have taken a less aggressive stance on the issue.