Russia Calls for Continued Iran-IAEA Cooperation Amid Tensions

Russia urges Iran to maintain its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency following a bill passed by Iran's parliament to suspend relations. This move comes after attacks on Iran's nuclear sites by the U.S. and Israel, aimed at halting Tehran's nuclear capabilities, which Iran claims are peaceful.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday emphasized the need for Iran to maintain cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), despite recent developments in Tehran.

Iranian lawmakers passed a bill seeking to halt the country's collaboration with the U.N.'s nuclear watchdog. This legislative action by Iran's parliament was a reaction to recent military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, allegedly to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weaponry.

Iran insists it harbors no nuclear weapon ambitions, focusing solely on nuclear energy programs. Meanwhile, Russia, a strategic ally to Iran, has officially condemned the foreign military actions and maintains that Iran deserves the right to pursue peaceful nuclear initiatives.

(With inputs from agencies.)