Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned Western pressure on Iran's nuclear programme and defended Tehran's rights under international law during an interview with Iran's state broadcaster IRIB on December 15, according to a transcript published by the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Lavrov criticised the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for failing to condemn attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, describing European diplomatic tactics as those of "swindlers and thieves". He said the EU's actions in triggering sanctions mechanisms against Iran represented "a disgrace to European diplomacy," in his latest tirade against the 27-member bloc and Britain.

"When three European countries (referring to the so-called European three Germany, France and Britain) fraudulently pushed through a decision to restore sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, real honest diplomats do not behave this way. This is how swindlers and thieves behave," Lavrov said.

The foreign minister drew parallels between frozen Iranian assets and Russia's experience with Western sanctions. "This inclination towards theft is apparently genetically inherent in many of our Western colleagues," he said, referring to frozen Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan assets.

Lavrov defended Iran's position on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA signed in 2015), stating that Tehran had never violated the agreement until the US withdrew in 2018 without mentioning Donald Trump by name.

"Iran's adherence to the JCPOA is so obvious that the West had to invent cunning schemes," he said.

On the possibility of Iran leaving the Non-Proliferation Treaty following attacks on its nuclear facilities, Lavrov said detailed discussions had taken place between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian.

"We firmly defend the unconditional right of the Islamic Republic of Iran, like any other country, to access peaceful nuclear energy," he said.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and Iran, which entered into force in October, defines principles of mutual solidarity and support in international relations, Lavrov said. He confirmed Russia would support any actions the Iranian leadership deems in the population's interests.

Lavrov also addressed bilateral economic cooperation, noting that whilst trade turnover stands at approximately $5bn, "we really have opportunities immeasurably greater than the current level". He highlighted the North-South International Transport Corridor and the Bushehr nuclear power plant as flagship projects.

"If there is another war against Iran, will Russia be with Iran?" the interviewer asked. Lavrov responded: "We will always support Iran and its legitimate rights."

Lavrov's comments come as his counterpart Abbas Araghchi is in Moscow to meet with him and Russian President Vladimir Putin.