Lavrov meets Iranian Abbas Araqchi during BRICS summit and reiterates Russia's offer of mediating disputes over nuclear program

**Russia’s Sergey Lavrov Reiterates Offer to Mediate Iran’s Nuclear Dispute**

In a meeting with his Iranian counterpart at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s offer to mediate disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. The meeting took place on July 6 and comes amid high tensions between Iran and the US and Israel.

According to Reuters, Lavrov met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to discuss the situation and condemned recent Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran, including attacks on nuclear sites under IAEA safeguards. Moscow has consistently supported Iran’s right to nuclear energy and has offered to store Iranian uranium as part of a potential solution.

**A Delicate Situation**

While Iran officially denies intentions to pursue nuclear weapons, tensions with the US and Israel remain high following the Iran-Israel conflict in June. The situation has currently settled into an uncertain ceasefire. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has also weighed in on the issue, saying that Iran’s nuclear program must be dismantled to prevent it from threatening the Middle East or the wider world.

**Russia’s Ties with Iran**

It’s worth noting that Russia and Iran have deepened ties since the start of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine. Iran has provided Russia with thousands of Shahed drones used in attacks against Ukrainian cities, as well as short-range ballistic missiles. This complicates Moscow’s offer to mediate the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program.

**Commentary**

The situation is delicate and complex. On one hand, Russia is trying to position itself as a mediator in the conflict between Iran and the US/Israel. On the other hand, its ties with Iran are strong, and Ukraine has accused Iran of complicity in the crime of aggression against it.

As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial to monitor how these different interests intersect and impact each other. The implications for regional stability and global security could be significant.