No third party can change the fundamental nature of relations between Russia and Iran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference.
“I don’t think any third party can change the principled character of relations between Moscow and Tehran. That character is based on the agreements reached between the presidents of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. It serves the interests of the two states and the two peoples,” Lavrov said, commenting at TASS’s request on US President Donald Trump’s statement about introducing 25% tariffs on all countries that cooperate with Iran.
Lavrov said this approach is reflected in a number of practical projects, including the construction of the Bushehr nuclear power plant and transport infrastructure plans such as the North–South corridor. He added that when the United States acts while ignoring the very norms it once promoted under what it called “globalization,” and then abandons its own principles, it raises doubts about the reliability of Washington as a partner.
“There’s also Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican of South Carolina, included in Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists) — he’s been pushing, and lately has been especially vocal about, the idea of imposing 500% tariffs on trade with any country that does business with Russia. You can react to that with a laugh, or with anger, but the right response is to stay focused: keep working and carry out the agreements we already have — with Iran and with all our other economic and trade partners,” Lavrov said.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS