Iran maintains constant contacts with Russia on issues related to its nuclear program, including in the context of Moscow-Washington talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said at a press conference in Tehran.

According to Baghaei, Russia is one of Iran’s key partners in the nuclear sphere, as well as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which makes the dialogue with Moscow strategically important. He noted that consultations with Russia concern not only technical aspects, but also diplomatic steps taken in response to pressure from the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Speaking to reporters, Baghaei stressed that Tehran would continue to closely cooperate with Moscow on issues related to international control over its nuclear program. He also criticized the position of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who said the day before that Iran continues to increase its stockpiles of enriched uranium, bringing them closer to the level suitable for creating nuclear weapons. According to Baghaei, Grossi should stick to technical assessments only and refrain from politically motivated statements, since such statements do not contribute to a constructive dialogue.

Earlier, on February 14, at the Munich Security Conference, Grossi said that by the time the next IAEA report is published, Iran could accumulate about 250 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. This statement caused concern in Western countries, since this level of enrichment is close to weapons grade. Grossi stressed that the international community must come to an agreement with Iran as soon as possible, otherwise the process of unauthorized buildup of nuclear capacity will become irreversible.

Against the backdrop of these statements, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a tough statement, addressing his opponents, first of all, Israel. He emphasized that in the event of attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, the country will be able to rebuild them.

"You can destroy a hundred of these centers, but we will create a thousand new ones. You can attack buildings, but not the people who build them," - he declared.

In turn, American officials continue to sharply criticize Iran's nuclear program, raising the possibility of new sanctions. US State Department officials said last week that "all possible scenarios" are being considered if Iran does not agree to tighter international controls over its nuclear program.