Russia's Ryabkov Urges To Avoid Pressure On Iran Over Missile Program

Moscow is ready to contribute to the resolution of the controversy around Iran's missile program if all involved sides show the political will to address the issue through negotiations, without attempts to apply pressure on Tehran, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Wednesday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 19th September, 2018) Moscow is ready to contribute to the resolution of the controversy around Iran's missile program if all involved sides show the political will to address the issue through negotiations, without attempts to apply pressure on Tehran, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told Sputnik on Wednesday.

"If the sides show their willingness to discuss this topic at the negotiating table, we will regard this issue, of course, without prejudice ... But we know for sure that attempts to exert pressure - political, economic, especially military - will not bring results," Ryabkov said.

The diplomat added that Russia views Tehran's drive to develop its own missile program as a legitimate way to safeguard the country's national security.

"But once again I stress that in the end, the key is the political will and the readiness of all parties, including Iran, to discuss this at the negotiating table. Russia, for its part, if necessary, will be ready to make a constructive contribution to this work," Ryabkov stated.