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Ambassador says there are no negotiations on Iran, defends Russia’s draft U.N. resolution and offers to help de-escalate
Summary
In a U.N. briefing Q&A, the Ambassador said there are currently no negotiations to end the war in Iran, defended Russia’s neutral draft resolution on Iran as having been ignored in amendment proposals, and said Russia was "ready to help" de-escalate regional tensions including effects on the Strait of Hormuz.
During a question-and-answer session at a United Nations press briefing, reporters asked the Ambassador about potential Russian roles in negotiations over the war in Iran, the status of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and the fate of a recent draft Security Council resolution on Iran.
When asked whether Russia saw itself playing any role in negotiations to end hostilities in Iran, the Ambassador said, "There are no negotiations, as you know," adding that negotiations had taken place before the aggression and that Iran had previously expressed willingness to negotiate. "Now, as far as I know, there are no negotiations," he said.
Namo Abdulla of Rudaw asked how long the Strait of Hormuz might remain closed and whether Russia would help to keep it open. The Ambassador replied that he did not see how his side could act in territorial waters and said maritime traffic in the area had been "basically halted," warning of immediate economic consequences for energy markets.
Pamela Falk of U.S. News & World Report asked why another resolution on Iran attracted more support than the Ambassador's draft. The Ambassador said the competing text was "unbalanced," that Russia's offered amendments had been ignored, and described Russia's draft as "very neutral" and focused on a return to political and diplomatic means. He also explained a Security Council convention — that permanent members generally do not vote for resolutions that name themselves — when asked why Russia had not vetoed the competing resolution.
Ambassador Stefano Vaccara (Ital press/La Voce di New York) asked about a reported phone call in which President Putin offered help; the Ambassador said Russia was "trying to help" and was "ready to to help to get out of the dire situation," while saying the United States was not accepting that help.
When asked by a reporter identified as Maryam with Iran International about reports that Russia is giving intelligence to Iran, the Ambassador responded, "You're asking the wrong person. I'm not in the intelligence business." The transcript contains no detailed rebuttal or further clarification on that allegation.
The exchange ended after several follow-ups and brief closing remarks.
