JUST IN: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Iran has the “inalienable right” to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, openly backing Tehran’s position in the middle of rising global pressure over its nuclear program.

Lavrov said any agreement with Iran must respect its legal rights under international law, while tensions continue between Tehran and Washington over uranium enrichment and nuclear negotiations.

The statement comes at a critical moment as the US pushes for tougher limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, while Russia and China continue supporting diplomatic talks instead of more pressure or military action.