Trump wants the new agreement to be long-term

Lavrov: : End Iran's support for its militias

Lavrov: Washington Conditions Iran's End of Support for Its Militias as Part of a New Nuclear Deal

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov revealed in an interview in Moscow that halting the activities of Tehran-affiliated factions is one of the demands Washington is raising as part of its efforts to conclude a new nuclear agreement. He confirmed that his country is communicating with the European Union regarding reviving this agreement.

In this interview, published on the Russian Foreign Ministry website, Lavrov stated that Moscow supports a framework that leads to "developing the nuclear agreement." However, he expressed concern about the United States' insistence on imposing political conditions, including halting Iran's support for some groups in Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. He considered these conditions "annoying and worrying."

He indicated that Washington is demanding that Iran halt its support for some groups in the Middle East as a "precondition for a new nuclear agreement."

While Washington is talking about a new nuclear agreement, this prominent Russian diplomat stressed that Moscow remains committed to preserving and implementing the current nuclear agreement, which the United States withdrew from during President Donald Trump's first term.

Lavrov added, "What is worrying is that there are signs that the Americans want to link the new agreement to certain political conditions, including the adoption of verifiable arrangements proving that Iran has stopped supporting its allies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and elsewhere." These conditions, the Russian foreign minister described as "unachievable."

Regarding the reasons for his concern, the Russian foreign minister believes that all countries in the region "have strengthened their influence outside their territories and have economic and humanitarian projects and programs in other regions, including North Africa. They even play a mediating role in some crises, such as the crisis in Sudan." He added, "It is unrealistic to exclude Iran alone from this right to expand its influence, while other countries are allowed to exercise their influence in various regions."

Khamenei Rejects Negotiations

Shortly after Anwar Gargash, the political advisor to the UAE president, arrived in Tehran carrying a message from Trump to Iranian officials, where he was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei announced, during a meeting with Iranian students, his rejection of the United States' conditions, noting that he had not yet seen Trump's message.

Khamenei said: "I would like to make it clear that if the goal of negotiations is to lift sanctions, then negotiating with this US administration will not lead to that. It will not even lift the embargo. Rather, (negotiating) will make the sanctions more complicated and increase the pressure. Therefore, negotiating with this administration will only lead to an escalation of pressure."

He added: "A few days ago, I mentioned during my meeting with officials that the US administration is putting forward new demands, conditions, and increased expectations, which makes the situation even more complicated than it is today. Therefore, negotiation will not solve any problem or undo any knot."

It is well known that since entering the White House for a second term, Trump has declared his willingness to negotiate with Iran on the one hand, while threatening to impose severe sanctions on the other. He has also not ruled out resorting to the military option against Tehran.

Analysts believe that the US president wants the new agreement to be long-term—the current agreement expires in 2030—and to include Iran's ballistic missile program and regional policy.