Lavrov Says U.S. Objectives in Iran Remain Vague

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cast doubt Tuesday on Washington's intentions toward Iran, stating that U.S. objectives in the region lack definition as international pressure mounts over recent strikes against Tehran.

"To act as a meaningful mediator, one naturally needs a clear understanding of the direction in which the parties are heading. So far, we do not see such clarity regarding the goals of our American colleagues," Lavrov said at a press conference held alongside Erywan Yusof, second minister of foreign affairs of Brunei Darussalam.

The top Russian diplomat characterized the joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran as an act of aggression, demanding an immediate halt to hostilities. Lavrov further stated he harbored no expectation that either Washington or Tel Aviv would face international sanctions in response to the assault.

Challenging the core justification cited for the strikes, Lavrov directly disputed claims that Iran had been pursuing nuclear weapons capability, pointing to assessments from both global watchdogs and senior American intelligence officials as contradicting that narrative.

"We still do not see evidence that Iran has been developing nuclear weapons, which was the main, if not the only, justification for these actions," Lavrov said. "There is confirmation from the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as from senior U.S. intelligence officials. There is clear evidence that Iran has not produced or attempted to produce nuclear weapons."

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