Russia says it does not want Iran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and expects Tehran to remain a member of the agreement.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments after Iranian parliamentary deputy speaker Ali Nikzad said a bill proposing Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT was being considered.
Peskov said Russia regarded the NPT as the cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation system and hoped Iran would remain a responsible member of the treaty.
Nikzad said Iran’s parliament had little confidence in the treaty and that the proposed bill would be considered after being formally introduced.
More than 30 former Iranian government officials have also called for Iran to withdraw from the NPT, saying continued membership was not in the country’s interests.
Iran joined the NPT in 1970. Russia and Iran maintain close relations under a strategic cooperation agreement.
