Moscow Hails Recognition of Iran's Right to Civilian Nuclear Programme

Russia on Thursday welcomed a framework deal curbing Iran's nuclear drive, hailing it as a recognition of Tehran's "unconditional right" to pursue a civilian nuclear programme.

"This deal contains the principal put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which is Iran's unconditional right to a peaceful nuclear programme," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran and world powers agreed on Thursday to a framework for a historic deal aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear drive after eight days of talks in Switzerland.

According to Moscow the deal allows Tehran to carry out "uranium enrichment activities under international control and the lifting of all existing sanctions against Iran."

There is no doubt that the deal "will have a positive impact on the overall security situation in the Middle East, including the fact that Iran will be able to play a more active part in the resolution of a number of problems and conflicts in the region," the Russian ministry said.

The international deal proves that through "diplomatic and political efforts it is possible to resolve the most difficult problems and crisis situations," Moscow said.

The so-called P5+1 group -- the United States, Britain, China, France and Russia plus Germany -- hammered out the deal with Tehran in the hope that it will make it virtually impossible for Iran to make nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian programme.

It marks a major breakthrough in a 12-year standoff between Iran and the West, which has long feared Tehran wants to build a nuclear bomb, a claim Tehran has always strenuously denied.