Iran not obliged to abandon its nuclear programme, Russia's IAEA envoy says

What Happened

On October 2, 2026, Russia's envoy to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mikhail Ulyanov, publicly rejected a call by US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme. In a post on X, Ulyanov wrote that Iran is not obliged to abandon its nuclear programme and described it as Iran's 'inalienable right'. He added that the Republican administration's position is based on 'wrong assumptions of non-proliferation norms and the IAEA activities'. The article does not provide the full text or context of Waltz's original call, so the precise wording and forum of the US demand are attributed rather than independently verified.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The exchange shows a direct Russian-US dispute over the interpretation of Iran's obligations under the non-proliferation regime and the IAEA's role. Ulyanov's public statement signals Russian diplomatic support for Iran's position and suggests Moscow will resist US-led pressure on Iran at the IAEA, potentially affecting future board dynamics and efforts to constrain Iran's nuclear activities.

Watch For

Watch for a response from Mike Waltz or the US State Department, and whether the US formalises its demand in IAEA or UN settings. Monitor the next IAEA Board of Governors meetings and quarterly IAEA reports on Iran's nuclear programme for any new findings on enrichment, stockpiles, or inspector access.